A nurse is admitting a patient who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is in preterm labor.The patient has a new prescription for betamethasone and asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. Which explanation should the nurse provide?
“It increases the fetal heart rate.”.
“It promotes fetal lung maturity.”.
“It is used to stop preterm labor contractions.”.
“It halts cervical dilation.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone does not typically increase the fetal heart rate14.
Choice B rationale
Betamethasone is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to promote fetal lung maturity. It helps speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and other organs14.
Choice C rationale
Betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions14.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone does not halt cervical dilation14.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
• Frequent urination: This is more likely to be associated with a UTI, as frequent urination is a common symptom of UTIs.
• Low back pain: This can be associated with both preterm labor and a UTI. Low back pain can be a sign of labor, and it can also be a symptom of a UTI.
• Temperature of 38.3°C (101°F): This is more likely to be associated with a UTI, as fever is a common symptom of infections, including UTIs.
• Strong urge to push: This is more likely to be associated with preterm labor, as an urge to push can be a sign of labor.
• Contractions every 1.5 minutes: This is more likely to be associated with preterm labor, as frequent contractions are a sign of labor.
• Pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10: This can be associated with both preterm labor and a UTI. Severe pain can be a sign of labor, and it can also be a symptom of a UTI. Please note that these are potential associations and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
When the fetal head is at 3+ station, it means that the baby’s head has moved down the birth canal and is very close to the vaginal opening. At this stage, the nurse should observe for crowning, which is when the widest part of the baby’s head can be seen at the vaginal opening. This is a critical time during labor, and the nurse needs to be prepared for the delivery of the baby.
Choice B rationale
Applying fundal pressure is not recommended as it can cause complications such as uterine rupture, fetal distress, and maternal discomfort. It is also not necessary when the fetal head is at 3+ station as the baby is already moving down the birth canal.
Choice C rationale
Oxytocin is a hormone that can stimulate uterine contractions. However, it is not necessary to prepare to administer oxytocin when the fetal head is at 3+ station. At this stage, the mother’s body is already effectively progressing through labor.
Choice D rationale
Observing for the presence of a nuchal cord, which is when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, is important throughout labor. However, it is not the primary action the nurse should take when the fetal head is at 3+ station.
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