A pregnant woman was admitted for induction of labor at 43 weeks of gestation with sure dates. A nonstress test (NST) in the obstetrician's office revealed a nonreactive tracing. On artificial rupture of membranes, thick meconium-stained fluid was noted. What should the nurse caring for the infant after birth anticipate?

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering before 34 weeks of gestation. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, which is a substance that prevents the alveoli from collapsing and improves the lung function of the fetus.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not affect the cervical dilation, which is a sign of labor progression. Betamethasone does not stop or delay labor, but rather reduces the complications of prematurity, such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not increase the fetal heart rate, which is a measure of fetal well-being. Betamethasone may cause transient fetal bradycardia, which is a decrease in the fetal heart rate, due to the increased vagal tone and blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the fetal heart rate and notify the provider if there are any signs of fetal distress.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions, which are caused by the uterine muscle activity. Betamethasone does not have any tocolytic effect, which is the ability to inhibit uterine contractions. Other medications, such as magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, or indomethacin, may be used to stop preterm labor contractions.

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as these are the common complications of post-term infants, who are born after 42 weeks of gestation. Meconium aspiration can occur when the fetus passes meconium in utero and inhales it into the lungs, causing respiratory distress, inflammation, and infection. Hypoglycemia can occur due to the depletion of glycogen stores and the increased metabolic demands. Dry, cracked skin can occur due to the loss of vernix caseosa and the reduced amniotic fluid.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the signs of neonatal hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Neonatal hypocalcemia can occur due to maternal diabetes, prematurity, or asphyxia, and can cause jitteriness, seizures, or tetany.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the characteristics of preterm infants, who are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Excessive vernix caseosa covering the skin is a protective coating that prevents heat and water loss. Lethargy and RDS are signs of immaturity and underdevelopment of the central nervous system and the lungs.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the features of infants with erythroblastosis fetalis, which is a hemolytic disease caused by the incompatibility of the Rh factor or the ABO blood group between the mother and the fetus. Golden yellow to green-stained skin and nails are due to the accumulation of bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of red blood cells. Absence of scalp hair and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat are due to the chronic hypoxia and edema.