A nurse is providing care for a patient who is 28 weeks pregnant and has received betamethasone.
The nurse recognizes that the use of betamethasone affects which of the following?
Weakened uterine contractions
Maternal blood glucose of 63 mg/dL
Decreased fetal heart rate
Enhanced production of fetal lung surfactant
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is not known to weaken uterine contractions. It is often administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce complications associated with prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Betamethasone can potentially increase blood glucose levels, not decrease them. This is particularly relevant in women with gestational diabetes, as corticosteroids can exacerbate hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Betamethasone does not typically decrease the fetal heart rate. Instead, it is used to help mature the lungs of the fetus.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to enhance the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs. Surfactant is a substance that prevents the small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, thereby aiding in the baby’s ability to breathe after birth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Having the patient void is not the immediate priority. While it is important to ensure the bladder is not distended, which could interfere with labor progress, the vital signs suggest a more urgent concern.
Choice B rationale
Asking the patient if she needs pain medication is important for comfort measures during labor, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
Choice C rationale
Turning the patient on her side and rechecking the blood pressure is the correct action. The maternal blood pressure is low, which could indicate supine hypotensive syndrome. This occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when the woman is supine, reducing venous return to the heart. Turning the woman on her side may relieve this pressure and improve blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider of the findings is important, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first address the mother’s hypotension by turning her on her side.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Moving the client to a room closer to the nurses’ station is an appropriate action to address the safety needs of an older adult client who is becoming increasingly restless and intermittently confused. This allows for closer observation and quicker intervention if needed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.