A nurse is administering terbutaline to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.
Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Hyperglycemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is B
Tachycardia.
Terbutaline is a medication that can be used to stop or delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles. However, it can also cause serious side effects for both the mother and the baby. One of the most common side effects of terbutaline is tachycardia, which means a fast or irregular heartbeat. This can lead to chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and even cardiac arrhythmias or ischemia.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mother’s heart rate and rhythm closely when administering terbutaline.
Choice A is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hypotension, which means low blood pressure. In fact, terbutaline can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Choice C is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hyperglycemia, which means high blood sugar. However, terbutaline can interfere with insulin secretion and glucose metabolism in some cases, especially in diabetic mothers.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mother’s blood sugar levels when administering terbutaline.
Choice D is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hypokalemia, which means low potassium levels in the blood. However, terbutaline can cause a temporary increase in potassium levels in the baby, which can affect the baby’s heart function.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the baby’s heart rate and rhythm when administering terbutaline.
Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults and 120 to 160 beats per minute for fetuses.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are typically between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Indomethacin is contraindicated for this client because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine.This can worsen the client’s peptic ulcer disease, which is a condition where open sores develop on the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine due to acid erosion.
Indomethacin can also interact with other medications that the client may be taking for pre-term labor or peptic ulcer disease.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is not contraindicated for this client.It is a medication that can relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and prevent pre-term labor contractions.
Choice B is wrong because betamethasone is not contraindicated for this client.It is a corticosteroid that can help mature the fetal lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in pre-term infants.
Choice D is wrong because terbutaline is not contraindicated for this client.
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.
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