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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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of IV oxytocin in the presence of abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations is contraindicated. It may exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, further compromising fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution will not address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation or abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on managing oxytocin administration.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of IV oxytocin is appropriate due to uterine tachysystole and associated fetal heart rate decelerations. This helps reduce uterine contractions and allows for fetal recovery, improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not related to managing uterine contractions or fetal heart rate decelerations. The intervention should directly address the cause of the decelerations, which is oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation. .
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Recurrent variable decelerations can indicate umbilical cord compression. Notifying the provider ensures immediate intervention if necessary to address potential fetal distress and to
monitor labor progression.
Choice B rationale
Ambulation is not recommended with recurrent variable decelerations. It might increase the risk of cord prolapse or other complications, further compromising fetal wellbeing.
Choice C rationale
Repositioning to the left lateral position helps improve uteroplacental blood flow and reduce cord compression, addressing the decelerations and promoting fetal oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Performing a sterile vaginal exam can help identify any immediate issues like cord prolapse or rapid cervical changes that could impact labor management and fetal wellbeing.
Choice E rationale
Providing an IV fluid bolus can improve maternal hydration and placental perfusion, potentially alleviating the cause of variable decelerations by increasing blood flow and reducing cord
compression effects. .