A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is in preterm labor. The client has a new order for betamethasone and asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. The nurse should provide which of the following explanations?
"It promotes fetal lung maturity."
"It halts cervical dilation."
"It increases the fetal heart rate."
"It is used to stop preterm labor contractions."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering before 34 weeks of gestation. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, which is a substance that prevents the alveoli from collapsing and improves the lung function of the fetus.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not affect the cervical dilation, which is a sign of labor progression. Betamethasone does not stop or delay labor, but rather reduces the complications of prematurity, such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not increase the fetal heart rate, which is a measure of fetal well-being. Betamethasone may cause transient fetal bradycardia, which is a decrease in the fetal heart rate, due to the increased vagal tone and blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the fetal heart rate and notify the provider if there are any signs of fetal distress.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions, which are caused by the uterine muscle activity. Betamethasone does not have any tocolytic effect, which is the ability to inhibit uterine contractions. Other medications, such as magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, or indomethacin, may be used to stop preterm labor contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.5"]
Explanation
To calculate the number of tablets, the nurse should use the following formula:
Number of tablets = (Desired dose / Available dose) x (Available form / Desired form)
In this case, the desired dose is 50 mg, the available dose is 100 mg, the available form is 1 tablet, and the desired form is 1 tablet. Therefore, the formula becomes:
Number of tablets = (50 mg / 100 mg) x (1 tablet / 1 tablet)
Number of tablets = 0.5 x 1
Number of tablets = 0.5
The nurse should round the answer to the nearest tenth, which is 0.5. The nurse should use a leading zero if the answer is less than 1, which is 0.5. The nurse should not use a trailing zero, which means 0.5 and not 0.50.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asymmetric thigh folds is a common finding in newborns who have DDH, because the affected hip is dislocated or subluxated, causing the thigh to appear shorter and the skin folds to be uneven. The nurse should compare the number and depth of the skin folds on both sides of the groin and buttocks.
Choice B reason: Absent plantar reflexes is not a typical finding in newborns who have DDH, because it is not related to the hip joint. The plantar reflex is a normal reflex that causes the toes to curl when the sole of the foot is stroked. The nurse should assess the plantar reflex in all newborns, regardless of their hip status.
Choice C reason: Lengthened thigh on the affected side is not a usual finding in newborns who have DDH, because the opposite is true. The affected thigh is usually shorter than the unaffected thigh, due to the displacement of the femoral head from the acetabulum. The nurse should measure the length of both thighs from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus.
Choice D reason: Inwardly turned foot on the affected side is not a specific finding in newborns who have DDH, because it can be caused by other conditions, such as metatarsus adductus or clubfoot. The inward turning of the foot is not a direct result of the hip disorder, but rather a secondary effect of the abnormal positioning of the leg. The nurse should examine the alignment and mobility of the foot and ankle.
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