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 D
Explanation
Step 1 is to calculate the total amount of Magnesium sulfate in the solution. This is done by multiplying the amount of Magnesium sulfate per mL (which is 50g/L or 0.05g/mL) by the total volume of the solution (which is 1000mL). So, 0.05g/mL × 1000mL = 50g.
Step 2 is to calculate the rate of the IV pump. The maintenance dose is 2g/hr. So, if there are 50g in 1000mL, then 2g would be in (2g ÷ 50g) × 1000mL = 40mL. Therefore, the IV pump should be set at 40 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. If a patient is experiencing preeclampsia, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions, as seizures can occur in severe cases. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s neurological status and liver function studies, as these can be affected by preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy, but the actions listed do not fully address the condition. While bed rest was once commonly recommended for high blood pressure during pregnancy, research has not shown it to be effective. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is important, but other interventions, such as medication, may also be necessary.
Choice C rationale
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Insulin may be administered to help control blood glucose levels. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate, as gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and the baby. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Tocolytics may be administered to slow or stop contractions. The nurse should monitor the contraction pattern and cervical dilation to assess for progression of labor. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
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