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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 10% to 15% increase in blood volume during pregnancy is too low compared to the average physiological changes that occur.
Choice B rationale
A 20% to 30% increase in blood volume is also below the expected range of increase during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Blood volume typically increases by 40% to 50% during pregnancy. This significant increase supports the demands of the growing fetus and placenta and prepares the mother's body for the blood loss that occurs during delivery.
Choice D rationale
A 65% to 75% increase is an overestimate. Such an extensive increase would be abnormal and is not typical in healthy pregnancies.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postpartum blues typically resolve within the first two weeks postpartum and involve mild symptoms like mood swings and irritability. In contrast, postpartum depression can persist
longer and requires treatment.
Choice B rationale
Symptoms of postpartum blues usually disappear without medical intervention, whereas postpartum depression often needs professional treatment to manage the more severe and
persistent symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum depression can impair a mother's ability to care for herself and her baby safely, requiring intervention to prevent harm. Postpartum blues do not typically cause such severe
functional impairment.
Choice D rationale
Postpartum depression may require antidepressants for treatment due to its severity. Postpartum blues generally do not necessitate such interventions and are managed through
support and reassurance.
Choice E rationale
Postpartum depression can occur at any time within the first 12 months after delivery, while postpartum blues are usually confined to the initial two weeks postpartum.