A nurse in the labor and delivery unit is caring for a 31-year-old pregnant female client who is at 31 weeks of gestation.
History and Physical: The client is a Gravida 4 Para 3. She reports cramping and low back pain that started last night.
Vital Signs:
0900:
- Temperature: 36.9°C (98.4°F)
- Pulse rate: 87/min
- Respiratory rate: 20/min
- Blood Pressure: 129/70 mm Hg
- Oxygen saturation: 98%
1000:
- Pulse rate: 86/min
- Respiratory rate: 18/min
- Blood Pressure: 130/76 mm Hg
- Oxygen saturation: 97%
Nurses Notes: At 0900, the client was placed on a fetal monitor, and the fetal heart tones (FHT) were recorded at 160/min. The client reported pain as a 6 on a 0 to 10 scale and requested pain medication. Vaginal examination showed 2 cm dilation, 80% effacement, and -1 station. At 1000, uterine contractions were observed every 2 to 4 minutes, lasting 60 to 80 seconds, with an FHT of 155/min. Provider was notified of the client's status and assessment, and new orders were received.
Medical History: The client has a history of three previous pregnancies (Gravida 4 Para 3).Querry: The nurse is contacting the primary health care provider regarding the client's status.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate? Select the 3 interventions the nurse should anticipate.
Give betamethasone 12 mg IM now and repeat in 24 hr.
Begin loading dose of magnesium sulfate 9 g over 30 min.
Position the client in a lateral position.
Administer terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneous stat.
E. Prepare for an emergency cesarean birth
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A: Give betamethasone 12 mg IM now and repeat in 24 hr.
Rationale: Betamethasone is administered to accelerate fetal lung maturity in cases of preterm labor. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks, this intervention is appropriate to help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.
Choice B: Begin loading dose of magnesium sulfate 9 g over 30 min.
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is used for neuroprotection of the fetus in preterm labor to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. The loading dose is typically given to achieve therapeutic levels quickly.
Choice C: Position the client in a lateral position.
Rationale: Positioning the client in a lateral position helps improve uteroplacental blood flow and can reduce the intensity of contractions, which is beneficial in managing preterm labor.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Copious vernix is typically found on preterm newborns, not those born post-term.
Choice B rationale
Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term newborns due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale
Decreased subcutaneous fat is more likely in preterm newborns, while post-term newborns might lose some fat due to nutrient depletion.
Choice D rationale
Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants, whereas post-term infants usually have more developed hair. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering antipyretics for maternal fever is essential as elevated maternal temperatures can increase the risk of fetal tachycardia and potentially lead to fetal distress. Reducing
fever promptly is a priority to stabilize both maternal and fetal conditions.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean section is not the immediate step for maternal fever; instead, managing the fever and assessing the need for further interventions based on the
overall clinical picture should be prioritized.
Choice C rationale
Administering glucocorticoids is indicated for promoting fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, not specifically for maternal fever management. Fever management requires antipyretics
and hydration.
Choice D rationale
Waiting 4 hours to recheck temperature delays prompt management, increasing risks for both the mother and fetus. Immediate action to reduce fever is crucial to prevent potential
complications.