A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation.

The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Reduce inflammation in the uterus

Enhance fetal lung maturity

Prevent infection in the amniotic fluid

Increase blood flow to the placenta

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes. This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce inflammation in the uterus.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection in the amniotic fluid.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood flow to the placenta.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and may be considered for women at 23 weeks of gestation or between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation depending on the clinical scenario.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Magnesium sulfate is a drug that is used to prevent seizures associated with pre-eclampsia and to stop preterm labor.However, it can also cause adverse effects such as respiratory depression, which is a condition where the breathing rate becomes too slow and shallow.

Respiratory depression can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby, so the nurse should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hypotension, not hypertension.Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hyporeflexia, not hyperreflexia.Hyporeflexia is a reduced or absent reflex response, which can indicate magnesium toxicity.

The nurse should check the client’s deep tendon reflexes regularly and stop the infusion if they are absent.

Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can reduce the blood flow to vital organs.

A. Avoid breastfeeding until the newborn reaches term gestation B. Use an apnea monitor at home as prescribed C. Keep the newborn in a warm environment at all times D. Delay immunizations until the newborn reaches term gestation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Pre-term newborns are at risk of apnea of prematurity, which is a pause in breathing for more than 20 seconds or less than 20 seconds with bradycardia or cyanosis.An apnea monitor can detect and alert the parents of any episodes of apnea and help them intervene promptly.

Choice A is wrong because breastfeeding is beneficial for pre-term newborns and can provide them with antibodies, nutrients, and bonding with the mother.Breastfeeding should be encouraged as soon as the newborn is medically stable and able to suck and swallow.

Choice C is wrong because keeping the newborn in a warm environment at all times can lead to overheating, dehydration, and increased metabolic rate.Pre-term newborns have difficulty regulating their body temperature and need to be dressed appropriately for the ambient temperature.They should also be monitored for signs of cold stress or heat stress.

Choice D is wrong because delaying immunizations until the newborn reaches term gestation can expose the newborn to preventable infections that ...

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A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of magnesium sulfate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who delivered a pre-term newborn at 34 weeks of gestation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and reports lower abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is admitting a client who is in pre-term labor at 34 weeks of gestation and has ruptured membranes and oligohydramnios. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

A nurse is providing education to a client who had pre-term labor and was prescribed indomethacin. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 25 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor about the purpose and side effects of magnesium sulfate therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is evaluating the understanding of a client who is at risk for pre-term labor and has been instructed to perform daily home uterine activity monitoring (HUAM). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a pre-term newborn who has a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to close the ductus arteriosus?

A nurse is assessing a client who is in pre-term labor and has received one dose of terbutaline subcutaneously. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation.

The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to: