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
Precipitous labor is a rapid labor that typically lasts less than 3 hours. While it can result in trauma and complications, it does not inherently increase the risk for an operative delivery,
which is more often related to other factors like fetal distress or failure to progress.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant concern with precipitous labor due to the rapid and forceful contractions that can cause uterine atony, leading to increased bleeding
after birth.
Choice C rationale
In a precipitous labor, the rapid delivery can cause vaginal lacerations, not a decreased risk. The swift passage of the baby through the birth canal increases the risk of tears and
trauma.
Choice D rationale
Neonatal sepsis is related to infections acquired during delivery but is not specifically linked to the speed of labor. The primary concern in precipitous labor is maternal trauma and
hemorrhage, not infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A newborn who is 26 hours post-delivery and has had no urine output needs immediate attention. Lack of urine output for over 24 hours may indicate dehydration or renal issues. Immediate medical evaluation is required to identify underlying conditions and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury or sepsis.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, characterized by blueish discoloration of the extremities, is common in newborns during the first 24-48 hours of life and usually resolves on its own. It occurs due to immature blood circulation and is generally not a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours can be a sign of conditions like Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis, but it is not as immediately concerning as anuria (no urine output). Monitoring and further evaluation are necessary, but it does not require urgent provider notification.
Choice D rationale
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a newborn is within the lower limit of normal. While it's important to monitor, it does not necessitate immediate provider notification unless it continues to drop or other symptoms arise.