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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
GBS can be transmitted to the baby during both vaginal and cesarean deliveries if the mother is colonized with the bacteria. It is not limited to cesarean sections, hence why appropriate screening and treatment are essential.
Choice B rationale
GBS, although often harmless in the general population, can cause severe infections in newborns. This bacterium can be a source of severe neonatal infections like sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis, necessitating preventive measures during pregnancy and delivery.
Choice C rationale
Screening for GBS is typically performed between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, not at the first prenatal visit. This timing ensures accurate detection of the bacteria closer to the time of delivery.
Choice D rationale
Intravenous antibiotics during labor are recommended for mothers who test positive for GBS to prevent transmission to the baby. This intervention significantly reduces the risk of neonatal GBS infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Irregular menses are not a direct risk factor for cervical cancer. While they can indicate hormonal imbalances, they are not strongly linked to cervical cancer risk.
Choice B rationale
Menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are more closely linked to breast cancer risks rather than cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is primarily associated with HPV infection.
Choice C rationale
Multiple sexual partners increase the risk of HPV infection, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that significantly raises the likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
Choice D rationale
A family history of breast cancer is more relevant to breast cancer risk rather than cervical cancer. Cervical cancer risk is more closely linked to HPV infection and sexual behavior.