A nurse is teaching a client with eclampsia about the purpose of corticosteroid therapy.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
“This medication will help lower my blood pressure.”
“This medication will help prevent seizures.”
“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.”
“This medication will help reduce inflammation in my body.”
The Correct Answer is C
“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.” Corticosteroid therapy is given to pregnant clients with eclampsia to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not lower blood pressure. Antihypertensive drugs such as hydralazine or labetalol are used to treat hypertension in eclampsia.
• Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent seizures. Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in eclampsia.
• Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in the body. They may have anti-inflammatory effects in some conditions, but their main purpose in eclampsia is to enhance fetal lung development.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 1+ on dipstick
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Two or more accelerations of at least 15 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period.This indicates a reactive test, which means that the fetus is well oxygenated and not in distress.
Choice B is wrong because no accelerations or decelerations in a 20-minute period indicate a non-reactive test, which may suggest fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
Choice C is wrong because one acceleration of at least 10 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 10 seconds in a 20-minute period is the criterion for a reactive test for gestational age less than 32 weeks, not 34 weeks.
Choice D is wrong because variable decelerations with normal variability in a 20-minute period indicate cord compression or fetal head compression, not a reactive test.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
According to Mayo Clinic, loss of reflexes is a sign of magnesium toxicity and requires immediate intervention.
Other signs of magnesium toxicity include:
• Decreased urine output
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Weakness
Choice B is wrong because headache is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
Choice C is wrong because nausea is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a side effect of magnesium sulfate or a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
Choice D is wrong because blurred vision is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
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