A patient who is 28 weeks pregnant is demonstrating signs of placental insufficiency. The health care provider prescribes betamethasone. What should the nurse inform the patient regarding the purpose of this medication?
A) It stops premature labor.
B) It improves functioning of the placenta.
C) It potentiates the formation of surfactant.
D) It improves immunologic function of the fetus.
C
Feedback:
Synthetically increasing steroid levels in the fetus through the use of betamethasone can hurry alveolar maturation and surfactant production without interfering with permanent lung function prior to a preterm birth. Surfactant is formed and excreted by the alveolar cells of the lungs at about the 24th week of pregnancy, decreases alveolar surface tension on expiration, prevents alveolar collapse, and improves the infant's ability to maintain respirations in the outside environment at birth. Betamethasone is not being given to this patient to stop premature labor, improve the function of the placenta, or improve immunologic function of the fetus.
You might also like to view...
Which biopsychosocial theory would most support the development of depression in a client who went to live with his father at 3 months of age when his mother was sentenced to jail for 15 years?
1. Object loss theory 2. Gender theory 3. Genetic theory 4. Cognitive theory
Which relief measure would be most appropriate for a postpartum patient with superficial thrombophlebitis?
1. Urge ambulation. 2. Apply ice to the leg. 3. Elevate the affected limb. 4. Massage her calf.
A nurse at a school-based neighborhood health clinic noticed there were many different nationalities of children at the school, including some who did not speak English. What is important for the nurse to do?
a. Recognize that certain ethnic groups may have different expectations of appropriate behaviors by their child. b. Share with the families research findings regarding appropriate childhood and effective parenting behavior. c. Teach the mother how to make the major health care decisions for the family. d. Help the families adapt to the United States by using teaching materials that demonstrate American beliefs and values.
Hypoventilation, aspiration of foreign bodies, and sleep apnea may cause:
A) Metabolic acidosis. B) Metabolic alkalosis. C) Respiratory alkalosis. D) Respiratory acidosis.