A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?
A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation
A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation
A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation
A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation is a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it can help delay the delivery and allow time for fetal lung maturation and transfer to a tertiary care center. Tocolytic therapy is indicated for clients who have regular uterine contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice B reason: A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it has no benefit for the mother or the fetus. Tocolytic therapy is contraindicated for clients who have fetal demise, as it can increase the risk of infection and coagulation disorders.
Choice C reason: A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it can harm the mother and the fetus. Tocolytic therapy is contraindicated for clients who have post-term pregnancy, as it can increase the risk of placental insufficiency, fetal distress, and meconium aspiration.
Choice D reason: A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it is not necessary or effective. Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and painless contractions that do not cause cervical changes or labor. They are normal and harmless, and do not require any intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I'll basically follow the same diet that I was following before I became pregnant." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the need for dietary changes during pregnancy. The client should follow a diet that is individualized, balanced, and consistent in carbohydrate intake, and that meets the nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Choice B reason: "Because I need extra protein, I'll have to increase my intake of milk and meat." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the role of protein in diabetes management. The client should consume adequate but not excessive amounts of protein, and choose lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Choice C reason: "I'll adjust my diet and insulin based on the results of my urine tests for glucose." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the limitations of urine tests for glucose. The client should monitor her blood glucose levels regularly, and adjust her diet and insulin accordingly, under the guidance of the provider. Urine tests for glucose are not accurate or reliable indicators of blood glucose levels.
Choice D reason: "Pregnancy affects insulin production, so I'll need to make adjustments in my diet." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the impact of pregnancy on diabetes. The client should be aware that pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, especially in the second and third trimesters, and that her diet may need to be modified to achieve optimal glycemic control.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: To call for an immediate magnesium sulfate level is not the immediate action that the nurse should take, as it is a diagnostic test that requires a blood sample and a laboratory analysis, which can take time and delay the treatment. The nurse should first stop the infusion and notify the provider, as the client is showing signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, which is a life-threatening condition that can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, or coma.
Choice B reason: To prepare to administer hydralazine is not the immediate action that the nurse should take, as it is a pharmacological intervention that requires a prescription and an assessment of the blood pressure and the fetal status. Hydralazine is an antihypertensive drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of severe preeclampsia, such as eclampsia, stroke, or organ damage. However, the client's blood pressure is not very high and is not the main problem at the moment.
Choice C reason: To discontinue the magnesium sulfate infusion is the immediate action that the nurse should take, as it is the first and most important intervention that can reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate and restore the neuromuscular function and the respiratory rate. Magnesium sulfate is a drug that prevents seizures and lowers the blood pressure in clients with severe preeclampsia, but it can also cause toxicity if the dose is too high or the infusion is too fast.
Choice D reason: To administer oxygen is not the immediate action that the nurse should take, as it is a supportive intervention that improves the oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs, but does not address the underlying cause of the respiratory depression, which is the magnesium sulfate toxicity. The nurse should administer oxygen only after stopping the infusion and assessing the oxygen saturation and the respiratory status.
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