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
Male condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but their reliability can be compromised by improper use or breakage.
Choice B rationale
Vaginal rings provide hormonal contraception and are effective, but they may be less reliable compared to implants due to potential for incorrect use.
Choice C rationale
Hormonal implants are highly reliable because they provide continuous contraception over an extended period (up to 3-5 years) with minimal user intervention.
Choice D rationale
Oral contraceptives are effective when taken correctly, but their reliability can be reduced by missed doses or incorrect use.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
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.