A client at 28 weeks of gestation is experiencing pre-term labor.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate to enhance fetal lung maturity?
Administering intravenous fluids
Administering tocolytics
Administering corticosteroids
Providing emotional support
The Correct Answer is C
Administering corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are drugs that can speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications of preterm birth. They are usually given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery between 24 0/7 weeks and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
It may be used to treat dehydration or prevent hypotension, but it has no effect on the baby’s lungs.
Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
Tocolytics are drugs that can delay preterm labor for a short time, but they do not improve the baby’s lung function.
Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
It may help the mother cope with stress and anxiety, but it does not affect the baby’s lungs.
Fetal lung maturity is the condition of the baby’s lungs being able to breathe normally after birth. It involves several developmental processes, such as the formation of alveoli, bronchi, and surfactant.
Fetal lungs are usually mature by 36 weeks of gestation, but some babies may need steroids to speed up lung development if they are at risk of preterm birth.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Administering tocolytics.Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and can delay preterm labor for a short time.This can allow time for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids and transfer to a tertiary care facility if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.It may also increase the risk of pulmonary edema in women with preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because administering corticosteroids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Corticosteroids are given to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
However, they do not stop preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Emotional support is important for women with preterm labor, but it is not a priority intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Scheduling regular eye examinations.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that can happen in babies who are premature or who weigh less than 3 pounds at birth.ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, which can cause vision loss or blindness.
The best way to prevent and treat ROP is to monitor the retinal development and detect any signs of abnormal blood vessel growth early.This can be done by regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist.Some babies with mild ROP may get better without treatment, but some may need laser treatment, eye injections, or surgery to stop the abnormal blood vessels and prevent retinal detachment.
Choice A is wrong because antibiotics are not used to treat ROP.
Antibiotics are used to treat infections, which are not the cause of ROP.
Choice B is wrong because phototherapy is not used to treat ROP.
Phototherapy is used to treat jaundice, which is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Jaundice is not related to ROP.
Choice C is wrong because surfactant is not used to treat ROP.
Surfactant is a substance that helps the lungs function properly by reducing the surface tension of the air sacs.
Surfactant may be given to premature babies who have respiratory distress syndrome, which is a lung problem that can affect their oxygen levels.However, surfactant does not directly affect the retina or the blood vessels in the eye.
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