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 A

Explanation

Regular uterine contractions occurring every 15 minutes.

This finding suggests that the client may have placental abruption, which is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fetal distress.

Choice B is wrong because low back pain and pelvic pressure are common symptoms of preterm labor, which is not as urgent as placental abruption.

Choice C is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge is not a specific sign of any complication and may be normal in pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because rupture of membranes is not a priority finding in this case, unless it is associated with infection or cord prolapse.

A. Administer tocolytic medication to stop contractions B. Instruct the client to empty her bladder C. Obtain informed consent from the client D. Monitor fetal heart rate and activity

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Instruct the client to empty her bladder.This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of injury to the bladder or the uterus.Emptying the bladder also reduces discomfort during the procedure.

Choice A is wrong because administering tocolytic medication to stop contractions is not necessary before amniocentesis.Tocolytic medication can have side effects and should only be used when there is a clear indication of preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because obtaining informed consent from the client is not a nursing action, but a medical one.The nurse can assist in providing information and answering questions, but the final consent should be obtained by the doctor who will perform the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring fetal heart rate and activity is not a specific action before amniocentesis, but a routine part of prenatal care.Fetal heart rate and activity can be affected by many factors, such as maternal position, fetal sleep cycle, or maternal blood sugar level.

Monitoring them before amniocentesis does not provide any useful information for the procedure.

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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

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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: