A preterm labor client at 30 weeks' gestation reported rupture of membranes 4 hours ago. This was confirmed on examination. The nurse prepares to administer IM dexamethasone. When the client asks why she is receiving the drug, the nurse replies:
To help stop your labor contractions.
To prevent an infection in your uterus.
To help mature your baby's lungs.
To decrease the pain from the contractions.
To decrease the pain from the contractions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Dexamethasone does not directly stop labor contractions; instead, it is used to enhance fetal lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
Dexamethasone is not for infection prevention; antibiotics are used for that purpose in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
Choice C rationale
Dexamethasone is administered to enhance fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Choice D rationale
Dexamethasone is not used for pain relief in preterm labor; other medications are prescribed for pain management.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Prior amniotic fluid leakage is not a required criterion for amniotomy. The main concern is cervical readiness and fetal head position, not previous leakage.
Choice B rationale
The fetal head engaged in the maternal pelvis ensures proper pressure and position for safe amniotomy. Engagement reduces the risk of umbilical cord prolapse and injury.
Choice C rationale
Certification of the nurse for amniotomy is not a standard criterion. The procedure is performed by qualified professionals, but certification isn't a prerequisite for the procedure to be scheduled.
Choice D rationale
Ultrasound to check the umbilical cord's position isn't a standard pre-amniotomy criterion. While it can be useful, the primary concern is the fetal head engagement and cervical readiness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reflexes of 3+ indicate hyperreflexia, common in pre-eclampsia, but not necessarily critical. Monitoring is essential but not an emergency.
Choice B rationale
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is within the acceptable range but requires monitoring for any changes. It's not a critical alert.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 rpm is normal and does not indicate immediate risk requiring physician notification.
Choice D rationale
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL is significantly high, indicating potential toxicity. Immediate physician notification is critical to adjust magnesium sulfate administration.