Home » NCLEX » NCLEX-RN » A female client at 36 weeks’ gestation is experiencing preterm labor. Her physician has prescribed two doses of betamethasone 12 mg IM q24h. The nurse explains that she is receiving this drug to:
A female client at 36 weeks’ gestation is experiencing preterm labor. Her physician has prescribed two doses of betamethasone 12 mg IM q24h. The nurse explains that she is receiving this drug to:
A. Treat fetal respiratory distress syndrome
B. Prevent uterine infection
C. Promote fetal lung maturation
D. Increase uteroplacental circulation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
(A) Respiratory distress syndrome occurs in the newborn, not the fetus. It may be treated postnatally with surfactant therapy. (B) Betamethasone is a corticosteroid, not an anti-infective drug; therefore, its use would not prevent uterine infection. (C) Betamethasone binds with glucocorticoid receptors in alveolar cells to increase production of surfactant, thus increasing lung maturity in the preterm fetus. (D) Betamethasone does not affect uteroplacental circulatory exchange.
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