A patient is in preterm labor at 30 weeks gestation.
Her OB orders antenatal steroids.
The order is for the nurse to administer betamethasone IM and to repeat the dose after 2 hours.
Betamethasone is available as 4mg/mL in 10 mL vials.
How many mL will the nurse draw up in the syringe for each dose?
0.5 mL
1 mL
1.5 mL
3 mL
The Correct Answer is D
Step 1 is to calculate the volume of betamethasone to be drawn up for each dose. The order is to administer betamethasone IM and to repeat the dose after 2 hours. Betamethasone is available as 4mg/mL. Therefore, to administer a dose of 12mg, the nurse would need to draw up 12mg ÷ 4mg/mL = 3mL for each dose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is not necessary based on these lab results. Seizure precautions are typically implemented for patients with a known seizure disorder or those who are at risk for seizures, such as patients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, neither of which can be diagnosed based on these lab results.
Choice B rationale
Checking deep tendon reflexes every hour is not indicated based on these lab results. This action is typically taken for patients with altered neurological status or those receiving certain medications that can affect muscle tone.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the daily logs of the patient is a good practice in general to monitor the patient’s progress and response to treatment. However, it is not a specific action that should be taken based on these lab results.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for methyldopa is not indicated based on these lab results.
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and there is no indication from these lab results that the patient has high blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methylergonovine is a medication that is primarily used to prevent or treat excessive bleeding after childbirth. It works by increasing the rate and strength of contractions and the stiffness of the uterus muscles, which helps to decrease bleeding. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic setting. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client that this medication is intended to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
While preventing postpartum infection is important, methylergonovine is not specifically used for this purpose. Postpartum infection is typically prevented and treated with antibiotics and good hygiene practices.
Choice C rationale
Thromboembolic events, such as blood clots, can be a risk after childbirth. However, methylergonovine is not used to prevent these events. Anticoagulant medications are typically used to prevent thromboembolic events.
Choice D rationale
Methylergonovine is not used to prevent hypertension. In fact, it can cause increased blood pressure as a side effect. Therefore, it would not be used as a preventative measure for hypertension.
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