A woman with a history of asthma comes to the clinic for evaluation for pregnancy. The woman's pregnancy test is positive. When reviewing the woman's medication therapy regimen for asthma, which medication would the nurse identify as problematic for the woman now that she is pregnant?

ipratropium

albuterol

salmeterol

Prednisone

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Ipratropium:

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator used to relieve bronchospasm associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve breathing. In pregnant women with asthma, ipratropium is generally considered safe for use when the benefits of controlling asthma symptoms outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is minimally absorbed systemically, reducing the risk of systemic side effects for both the mother and the fetus.

B. Albuterol:

Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) commonly used as a rescue inhaler for acute asthma symptoms. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Albuterol is considered safe for use during pregnancy, and it is often recommended as needed to relieve bronchospasm in pregnant women with asthma. Controlling asthma symptoms with albuterol can help improve maternal oxygenation and prevent complications associated with poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy.

C. Salmeterol:

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for the long-term control of asthma symptoms. It works similarly to albuterol but has a longer duration of action. Salmeterol is generally not recommended as the sole therapy for asthma during pregnancy due to limited safety data. While animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetal development, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, the risks versus benefits of using salmeterol during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and alternative treatments may be preferred.

D. Prednisone:

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses in conditions such as asthma. It is often prescribed to manage asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. While corticosteroids are generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy to control asthma symptoms, they may have risks associated with long-term or high-dose use, especially if used during the first trimester. Potential risks include fetal growth restriction and cleft palate. However, the benefits of controlling asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations often outweigh the potential risks of corticosteroid use during pregnancy. Therefore, prednisone may be prescribed judiciously during pregnancy, and the dose should be tailored to the individual's needs while considering potential risks to the fetus.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC):

DIC is a serious condition characterized by abnormal clotting throughout the body's blood vessels, leading to both bleeding and clotting simultaneously. While it can occur in severe cases of HELLP syndrome, it is not a specific finding used to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Instead, it's a complication that can develop due to various underlying conditions, including HELLP syndrome.

B. Elevated platelet count:

In HELLP syndrome, platelet count is typically decreased, not elevated. HELLP syndrome stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. The low platelet count is a key diagnostic feature of HELLP syndrome and contributes to the risk of bleeding complications.

C. Elevated liver enzymes:

Elevated liver enzymes, particularly elevated levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), are hallmark features of HELLP syndrome. Liver involvement is a significant component of this syndrome, and elevated liver enzymes are part of the diagnostic criteria.

D. Hyperglycemia:

While hyperglycemia can occur in various conditions, it is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily affects the liver, blood clotting factors, and platelets, leading to features such as elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

A. deep tendons reflexes 2+ B. respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute C. urinary output of 20 mL per hour D. difficulty in arousing

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Deep tendon reflexes 2+: Deep tendon reflexes are typically assessed to monitor for signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity. A normal finding of 2+ deep tendon reflexes suggests that the client is not experiencing magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, it does not specifically indicate whether the medication is at a therapeutic level.

B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute is below the normal range, and it could indicate respiratory depression, a potential side effect of magnesium sulfate toxicity. While this finding suggests a potential adverse reaction to the medication, it does not confirm whether the medication is at a therapeutic level.

C. Urinary output of 20 mL per hour: Adequate urinary output is essential for excreting magnesium sulfate and preventing toxicity. A urinary output of 20 mL per hour is within an acceptable range and suggests adequate renal function, which is important for maintaining therapeutic levels of the medication. However, it alone does not confirm whether the medication is at a therapeutic level.

D. Difficulty in arousing: Difficulty in arousing is a concerning sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity and suggests central nervous system depression. It indicates that the client may be experiencing an adverse reaction to the medication and that the dose may need adjustment. While this finding suggests a potential issue with medication dosing or toxicity, it does not confirm whether the medication is at a therapeutic level.

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A woman with a history of asthma comes to the clinic for evaluation for pregnancy. The woman's pregnancy test is positive. When reviewing the woman's medication therapy regimen for asthma, which medication would the nurse identify as problematic for the woman now that she is pregnant?

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

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