A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a positive group B streptococcus B-hemolytic screening.
Which of the following medications should the nurse discuss as the prophylaxis treatment during labor for this client?
Penicillin.
Cefazolin.
Erythromycin.
Vancomycin.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Penicillin is the recommended prophylactic treatment for a client at 38 weeks of gestation with a positive group B streptococcus B-hemolytic screening. It is highly effective in preventing the transmission of group B strep from mother to baby during labor and delivery. Administering Penicillin reduces the risk of neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis caused by group B strep.
Choice B rationale
Cefazolin is an alternative antibiotic for clients allergic to penicillin. It is less preferred compared to penicillin due to its broader spectrum of activity and potential for resistance. Cefazolin can be used if the client has a non-severe penicillin allergy.
Choice C rationale
Erythromycin is not recommended for group B strep prophylaxis during labor due to its lower efficacy compared to penicillin and cefazolin. It is less effective in preventing neonatal group B strep infections and is used less frequently.
Choice D rationale
Vancomycin is used for clients with a severe penicillin allergy or for those with resistant strains of group B strep. It is a last-resort antibiotic due to its potent effect and potential side effects. It is only used when absolutely necessary.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Respiratory rate of 10/min is a critical adverse effect, indicating potential respiratory depression due to magnesium sulfate, a serious and life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Urine output of 160 mL in 4 hours is lower than expected but not immediately life-threatening. It needs monitoring but is not as critical as respiratory rate.
Choice C rationale
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate but is not life-threatening. It warrants attention but does not require immediate reporting.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a common, less severe side effect of magnesium sulfate that does not indicate an urgent situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing for GBS at around 36 weeks of gestation is standard practice to identify carriers and prevent neonatal GBS infections through intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis if necessary.
Choice B rationale
Cesarean birth is not indicated solely based on a positive GBS status. The primary intervention is intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of neonatal infection.
Choice C rationale
Routine antibiotic administration during the last weeks of pregnancy is not standard practice; antibiotics are given during labor if GBS is present to prevent transmission to the baby.
Choice D rationale
GBS infection does not cause hearing loss in newborns. The primary concern is neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis, not hearing loss.