A nurse is providing care for a patient who is 28 weeks pregnant and has received betamethasone.
The nurse recognizes that the use of betamethasone affects which of the following?
Weakened uterine contractions
Maternal blood glucose of 63 mg/dL
Decreased fetal heart rate
Enhanced production of fetal lung surfactant
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is not known to weaken uterine contractions. It is often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce complications associated with prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Betamethasone can potentially increase blood glucose levels, not decrease them. This is particularly relevant in women with gestational diabetes, as corticosteroids can exacerbate hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Betamethasone does not typically decrease the fetal heart rate. Instead, it is used to help mature the lungs of the fetus.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs. Surfactant is a substance that prevents the small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, thereby aiding in the baby’s ability to breathe after birth.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion is not the first action the nurse should take when observing that the fetal heart rate begins to slow after the start of a contraction and the lowest rate occurs after the peak of the contraction. This pattern is known as late decelerations and is often associated with fetal hypoxemia due to insufficient placental perfusion.
Choice B rationale
The nurse should first place the client in the lateral position. This position can improve placental blood flow and may help to resolve the late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen using a nasal cannula may be beneficial, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to improve placental blood flow, which can be achieved by changing the client’s position.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the client’s legs is not the first action the nurse should take. This action would not directly address the issue of late decelerations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the client’s daughter, who is the primary caregiver, may have a significant role in the client’s care, the decision to sign the informed consent ultimately lies with the client if they are deemed competent.
Choice B rationale
The client, who is alert and oriented to person, place, and time, and has advance directives, is the most appropriate person to sign the informed consent. As long as the client is competent and understands the information provided, they have the right to make their own medical decisions.
Choice C rationale
The client’s partner does not have the legal authority to sign the informed consent on behalf of the client unless the client is deemed incompetent and the partner is designated as the legal representative.
Choice D rationale
The client’s son, who has a durable power of attorney, can only sign the informed consent on behalf of the client if the client is deemed incompetent. Since the client is alert and oriented, they should be the one to sign the informed consent.
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