A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?

Betamethasone

Magnesium sulfate

Nifedipine

Indomethacin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity and prevent respiratory distress syndrome. It is usually given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and takes effect within 24 hours of administration.

Choice B. Magnesium sulfate is wrong because it is used to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.

Choice C. Nifedipine is wrong because it is a calcium channel blocker that is used to inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.

Choice D. Indomethacin is wrong because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce uterine activity in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. However, it can also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus and should be avoided after 32 weeks of gestation.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions with cervical changes.

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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.

A. Reduce inflammation in the uterus B. Enhance fetal lung maturity C. Prevent infection in the amniotic fluid D. Increase blood flow to the placenta

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to perform an amniocentesis on a client who is at 27 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before the procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?