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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (also known as amniotic fluid embolism) occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream, triggering
a serious reaction. It can cause sudden shortness of breath, cardiovascular collapse, and other severe symptoms immediately after a rupture of membranes and is a rare but critical
obstetrical emergency.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which leads to bleeding and potential fetal and maternal distress. However, it does not
typically present with sudden cardiorespiratory collapse or shortness of breath immediately following membrane rupture.
Choice C rationale
Uterine rupture refers to a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually due to trauma, labor stress, or previous surgical scars. While it is a severe condition, it usually presents with
abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and fetal distress rather than sudden respiratory failure.
Choice D rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition affecting blood clotting processes, often secondary to other conditions like severe preeclampsia, sepsis, or trauma. It
generally presents with bleeding and clotting issues but not sudden respiratory or cardiovascular collapse.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Prolapsed cord involves the umbilical cord descending into the birth canal ahead of the fetus, which is a critical emergency but presents differently, typically with changes in fetal
heart rate and the cord being palpable or visible.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and is a medical
emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent maternal and fetal complications.
Choice C rationale
Placenta previa involves the placenta partially or completely covering the cervical opening, which can cause painless vaginal bleeding but does not typically present with severe
abdominal pain.
Choice D rationale
Incompetent cervix is associated with painless cervical dilation and potential preterm labor but not typically with severe abdominal pain and acute vaginal bleeding as seen with
abruptio placentae