A patient with a history of mitral valve prolapse is admitted at 41 weeks gestation for induction of labor.The doctor prescribes intravenous antibiotic therapy for the patient to be given during labor.Based on this information, what is the primary reason for administering antibiotics to this patient at this time?

The correct answer is choice A. Maintaining the infants’ airways is the nurse’s priority when caring for a set of twins delivered by cesarean delivery.This is because twins are more likely to be born early and need special care after birth than single babies.They may have breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels and require oxygen therapy or ventilation.

The nurse should assess the infants’ respiratory status and intervene as needed.

Choice B is wrong because keeping the infants in a warm, draft-free environment is important but not as urgent as ensuring their airways are clear and they are breathing well.Premature twins may have trouble regulating their body temperature and need to be kept warm, but this can be done after their airways are secured.

Choice C is wrong because placing identification bands on the infants is a standard procedure but not a priority.

The nurse should make sure the infants are correctly identified and matched with their mother, but this can be done after their vital signs are stable.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring the infants’ vital signs is also important but not as urgent as maintaining their airways.

The nurse should check the infants’ heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and blood sugar levels regularly, but this can be done after their respiratory status is assessed and managed.

Normal ranges for vital signs in newborns are:

• Heart rate: 100 to 160 beats per minute

• Blood pressure: 50 to 75 mm Hg systolic and 30 to 45 mm Hg diastolic

• Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)

• Blood sugar: 40 to 80 mg/dL

The correct answer is choice C. Ask what the patient ate and drank within the last day or two.This is because the nurse needs to assess the patient’s current nutritional status and eating habits before providing any education or advice.The nurse can then tailor the counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.

Choice A is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for the patient’s own growth and development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

Choice B is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the relationship between the patient’s eating habits and fetal development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

Choice D is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to discuss with the patient the basic nutritional requirements of pregnancy, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.

The normal ranges for nutritional intake during pregnancy vary depending on the age, weight, activity level, and health status of the patient.

However, some general guidelines are:

• Increase calorie intake by about 300 calories per day

• Increase protein intake by about 25 grams per day

• Increase calcium intake by about 1000 milligrams per day

• Increase iron intake by about 27 milligrams per day

• Increase folic acid intake by about 600 micrograms per day

• Increase fluid intake by about 8 to 10 cups per day