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
Phototherapy is a treatment for jaundice but is not a preventive measure. It is used after jaundice has been identified to reduce bilirubin levels in the newborn.
Choice B rationale
Suctioning excess mucus with a bulb syringe helps clear the newborn’s airways but does not have a direct role in preventing jaundice. Jaundice is related to bilirubin metabolism, not
mucus accumulation.
Choice C rationale
Preparing for an exchange blood transfusion is an intervention for severe hyperbilirubinemia but is not a preventive measure for jaundice. It is used when bilirubin levels are
extremely high.
Choice D rationale
Initiating early feeding helps to promote bowel movements, which assists in the excretion of bilirubin from the body. This is an effective preventive measure for jaundice, as it helps
reduce the chances of bilirubin buildup.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in clients with hypertension because it can cause severe hypertension by increasing vascular resistance, leading to potential complications such as stroke.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is used to induce labor and control postpartum hemorrhage and does not significantly increase blood pressure, making it safe for use in hypertensive patients.
Choice C rationale
Carboprost (Hemabate) is used to control severe postpartum hemorrhage and does not have significant effects on blood pressure. It is generally safe for hypertensive patients.
Choice D rationale
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is used for postpartum hemorrhage management and does not significantly affect blood pressure, making it safe for hypertensive patients.