A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor at 29 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make about the indication for medication administration?
"This medication will stop your labor"
"This medication stimulates fetal lung maturity"
"This medication will decrease your risk for uterine infections"
"This medication will increase your baby's weight"
The Correct Answer is B
A. "This medication will stop your labor": Betamethasone is not intended to stop labor. It is given to promote fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of complications associated with preterm birth.
B. "This medication stimulates fetal lung maturity": This is the correct statement. Betamethasone is administered to enhance the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, improving respiratory outcomes for the preterm infant.
C. "This medication will decrease your risk for uterine infections": Betamethasone does not directly decrease the risk of uterine infections. Its primary benefit is in promoting fetal lung maturity.
D. "This medication will increase your baby's weight": Betamethasone is not given to increase the baby's weight. Its main focus is on improving lung function and reducing respiratory complications in preterm infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Prepare equipment needed for newborn resuscitation.
A. Preparing equipment needed for newborn resuscitation is the correct action.
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid can increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome in the newborn. While the fetal heart rate is reassuring, being prepared for potential newborn resuscitation is prudent given the meconium staining.
B. Performing endotracheal suctioning as soon as the fetal head is delivered is not the current standard of care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends routine suctioning of meconium-stained infants unless they show signs of respiratory distress, poor muscle tone, or a depressed heart rate.
C. Preparing the client for an ultrasound examination is not the immediate priority. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid may be associated with fetal distress, but the focus should be on the current labor and delivery situation.
D. Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is not the first action.
The presence of meconium staining alone does not necessarily indicate the need for an emergency cesarean birth, especially if the fetal heart rate is reassuring.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreased vaginal discharge is not typically associated with the onset of labor. In fact, an increase in vaginal discharge may be observed as the cervix begins to soften and efface.
B. Weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kg is not a specific sign that precedes labor. Weight gain during late pregnancy is more related to fluid retention, and it does not necessarily indicate imminent labor.
C. Urinary retention is not a common sign that precedes labor. However, increased pressure on the bladder from the descending fetus may lead to more frequent urination rather than retention.
D. A surge of energy is known as the "nesting instinct" and is a common sign that precedes labor. Some women experience a burst of energy and motivation to prepare for the upcoming birth.
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