NCLEX-RN Question #510: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is C. Promote fetal lung maturation. (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 g

Question

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:

Options

ATreat fetal respiratory distress syndrome
BPrevent uterine infection
CPromote fetal lung maturation
DIncrease uteroplacental circulation

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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