The perinatal nurse is providing care to a 25-year-old G1 TPAL ...

[maychende]

The perinatal nurse is providing care to a 25-year-old G1 TPAL 0000 woman hospitalized with severe hypertension at 33 weeks' gestation. The nurse is preparing to administer the second dose of betamethasone (Celestone), prescribed by the physician.
 
  The patient asks, What is this injection for again? Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
  A.
  Helps your baby grow and develop
  B.
  Helps your baby's lungs to mature
  C.
  Prepares your body to begin labor
  D.
  Stabilizes your blood pressure

Question 2

The perinatal nurse is caring for a patient with preeclampsia. What intervention does the nurse include on this patient's care plan?
 
  A.
  Administer magnesium sulfate per agency policy.
  B.
  Assess the patient's blood pressure every 6 hours.
  C.
  Encourage the patient to rest on her back.
  D.
  Notify the physician of urine output greater than 30 mL/hr.

[mariahkathleeen]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Glucocorticoids such as betamethasone are given prior to 34 weeks' gestation to promote fetal lung maturity if delivery can be delayed for 48 hours.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The nurse is the manager of care for the woman with preeclampsia during the intrapartal period. Careful assessments are critical. The nurse administers medications as ordered and should adhere to hospital protocol for a magnesium sulfate infusion. Vital signs should be assessed more often than every 6 hours. The patient should be encouraged to maintain a left side-lying position. A urine output of greater than 30 mL/hour is normal.