A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

What is the purpose of this medication?

To suppress uterine contractions

To prevent infection

To promote fetal lung maturity

To reduce maternal blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

To promote fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone (Celestone) is a type of corticosteroid that can help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants by accelerating the development of their lungs. It is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not suppress uterine contractions.

It has no effect on the cause of preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection.

It may actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce maternal blood pressure.

It may actually cause hypertension and hyperglycemia as side effects.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to improve neonatal outcomes.Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing after birth.This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a common complication of preterm birth.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of infection in the newborn.In fact, it may increase the risk of maternal and neonatal infections by suppressing the immune system.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood glucose levels in the newborn.However, it may cause transient hyperglycemia in the mother, which should be monitored and treated if necessary.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of bleeding in the newborn.It may increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, a type of bleeding in the brain, if given before 24 weeks of gestation.Therefore, it should be used with caution in this population and only after a family’s decision regarding resuscitation.

A. Administering intravenous fluids B. Administering tocolytics C. Administering corticosteroids D. Providing emotional support

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to help mature the lungs of the fetus and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications.Corticosteroids also have a protective effect on the brain and reduce the risk of bleeding and cerebral palsy.

Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids is not a specific intervention to address possible outcomes and complications of preterm labor.Intravenous fluids may be given to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, but they do not prevent or treat preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics is an intervention to delay preterm labor, not to address possible outcomes and complications.

Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy for a short period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours, to allow for the administration of corticosteroids or the transfer of the mother to a facility with neonatal intensive care.

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A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is at risk for pre-term labor at 30 weeks of gestation. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse monitor for in the newborn?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a client and her partner about pre-term labor. Which intervention should the nurse include in the teaching plan to address possible outcomes and complications?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to perform an amniocentesis on a client who is at 27 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before the procedure?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following maternal complications is most likely to occur due to prolonged bed rest?

A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving terbutaline for pre-term labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential adverse effect of the medication?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and reports lower abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate being ordered for this client?

A nurse is admitting a client who is in pre-term labor at 34 weeks of gestation and has ruptured membranes and oligohydramnios. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is planning care for a pre-term newborn who has a diagnosis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is reviewing the ultrasound report of a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates oligohydramnios?

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

What is the purpose of this medication?