The nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate to the patient. This drug is most often used for which obstetric complication?
Preterm labor
Abruptio placentae
Pre-eclampsia
Unruptured ectopic pregnancy
The Correct Answer is D
A. Preterm labor. Methotrexate is not used for preterm labor. Medications such as tocolytics (e.g., nifedipine, magnesium sulfate, or terbutaline) are typically used to delay labor and improve neonatal outcomes, but methotrexate does not serve this purpose.
B. Abruptio placentae. Methotrexate is not indicated for abruptio placentae, which is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. Management of abruptio placentae focuses on stabilizing the mother, monitoring fetal well-being, and delivering the baby if necessary.
C. Pre-eclampsia. Methotrexate does not treat pre-eclampsia. The management of pre-eclampsia includes antihypertensive medications, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention, and delivery of the baby when indicated.
D. Unruptured ectopic pregnancy. Methotrexate is the first-line treatment for an unruptured ectopic pregnancy. It works by inhibiting rapidly dividing trophoblastic cells, stopping the growth of the ectopic pregnancy while preserving the fallopian tube. It is only used in stable patients with small, unruptured ectopic pregnancies and no signs of internal bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Induction of labor with intravenous oxytocin. Induction is contraindicated in cases of abruptio placentae with a Category III fetal heart rate tracing, as labor induction can worsen fetal distress and maternal bleeding. An immediate cesarean section is the safest intervention to prevent fetal and maternal complications.
B. An emergency cesarean section. A Category III fetal heart rate tracing with minimal variability and a prolonged deceleration indicates severe fetal distress, requiring immediate delivery. Partial abruptio placentae can cause fetal hypoxia, maternal hemorrhage, and potential fetal demise. The priority is an emergency cesarean section to ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.
C. In-hospital fetal monitoring for 48 hours. Continuous monitoring is essential in cases of mild abruptio placentae without fetal distress, but in this case, a Category III tracing indicates an immediate threat to the fetus, making waiting inappropriate.
D. Discharge home on strict bed rest. Abruptio placentae is a serious obstetric emergency, and home management is never appropriate when fetal distress is present. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent fetal and maternal complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 2+ Deep Tendon Reflexes. A 2+ deep tendon reflex is considered normal and does not indicate worsening preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia is often associated with hyperreflexia, typically 3+ or 4+, which can signal worsening central nervous system involvement and an increased risk for seizures.
B. Platelets of 20,000. A platelet count of 20,000 is dangerously low and suggests the development of HELLP syndrome, a severe complication of preeclampsia that includes hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. This condition increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding and requires immediate medical intervention.
C. Urine output of 75 ml per hour. A urine output of 75 mL per hour is adequate and does not indicate worsening kidney function. In severe preeclampsia, oliguria (urine output less than 30 mL per hour) is a more concerning sign, as it suggests impaired renal perfusion and possible acute kidney injury.
D. 1+ Proteinuria. While proteinuria is a key feature of preeclampsia, a 1+ reading is mild and not necessarily indicative of worsening disease. Severe preeclampsia is typically associated with proteinuria of 3+ or higher, along with other symptoms such as hypertension, headache, and visual disturbances.
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