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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the newborn's head quickly to one side elicits the tonic neck reflex, not the Moro reflex. The tonic neck reflex involves the newborn's arm extending on the side where the
head is turned and the opposite arm bending at the elbow, resembling a fencing position.
Choice B rationale
Performing a sharp hand clap near the infant elicits the Moro (startle) reflex, which is characterized by the infant throwing their arms outward, opening their hands, and then bringing
the arms back in. This is a response to sudden stimuli and is a normal reflex in newborns.
Choice C rationale
Stroking the outer edge of the sole of the foot from near the heel up toward the toes elicits the Babinski reflex, not the Moro reflex. The Babinski reflex is characterized by the big toe
moving upward or toward the top surface of the foot and the other toes fanning out.
Choice D rationale
Placing a finger at the base of the newborn's toes elicits the plantar grasp reflex, not the Moro reflex. The plantar grasp reflex involves the toes curling around the finger or object
placed at the base of the toes. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uteroplacental insufficiency leads to late decelerations, which are characterized by a gradual decrease in fetal heart rate after the peak of a contraction. This indicates compromised blood flow between the uterus and placenta, affecting the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Umbilical cord compression usually causes variable decelerations, not late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Maternal bradycardia does not cause changes in fetal heart rate patterns like late decelerations.
Choice D rationale
Fetal head compression causes early decelerations, which coincide with contractions, not late decelerations.