A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted in preterm labor at 33 weeks gestation.
The provider has ordered betamethasone 12 mg IM every 24 hours.
Before administering the medication, what should the nurse include in client teaching?
This medication is used to increase fetal surfactant production.
This medication increases the fetal heart rate.
This medication is used to increase amniotic fluid levels.
This medication is used to stop preterm labor contractions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that accelerates fetal lung maturity by increasing the production of surfactant, which reduces respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Choice B rationale
While betamethasone can cause transient increases in fetal heart rate, its primary purpose is not to increase fetal heart rate. Its role is in enhancing lung maturity.
Choice C rationale
Betamethasone does not directly increase amniotic fluid levels. Its main function is in the maturation of fetal lungs.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions. It is used to accelerate fetal lung development in preterm labor cases.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pelvic pain and fatigue can be indicators of endometritis, an infection of the uterine lining. It often manifests with pain, fever, and general malaise, and requires further evaluation and intervention.
Choice B rationale
Light amount of dark red lochia with a bloody odor is a normal postpartum finding. Lochia progresses through different stages, and dark red lochia, which occurs in the later stages, typically has a bloody odor.
Choice C rationale
Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, is not a typical symptom of endometritis. It may indicate a urinary tract infection or other renal issues instead.
Choice D rationale
A localized area of breast tenderness may indicate mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. It is not related to endometritis but requires attention and treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering the rubella vaccine during pregnancy, including the third trimester, is contraindicated due to the risk of live vaccine transmission to the fetus. It is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Advising the client to get the vaccine during her next pregnancy attempt is partly correct but lacks the immediacy needed to ensure she is immune before the next pregnancy. The vaccine should be given postpartum.
Choice C rationale
Administering the vaccine immediately during pregnancy is contraindicated due to potential risks to the fetus. Rubella vaccines contain live virus, which can cause fetal harm if given during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
It is safest to administer the rubella vaccine postpartum, prior to hospital discharge, to ensure the client has immunity before any future pregnancies. This timing prevents any risk to the current fetus and ensures future fetal protection. .