NR327/NR 327 Exam 4 V3 | Maternal Child Nursing
Q&A with Rationale | Chamberlain University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for
betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client
regarding the purpose of this medication?
A. It is used to stop your preterm labor contractions.
B. It helps stimulate the production of surfactant in the baby’s lungs.
C. It prevents the development of maternal infection.
D. It decreases the risk of maternal hypertension.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid administered to clients in preterm labor
to accelerate fetal lung maturity. It specifically stimulates the production of surfactant,
which reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the neonate. This medication is
typically given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and requires at least 24 hours to be effective.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV
infusion for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
B. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr
,C. Respiratory rate of 14/min
D. Blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Urinary output of less than 30 mL/hr is a potential sign of magnesium
toxicity, as the drug is excreted by the kidneys. The nurse must also monitor for absent
deep tendon reflexes and a respiratory rate below 12/min. Immediate notification of the
provider is necessary to prevent cardiac or respiratory arrest.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who has a suspected diagnosis of epiglottitis. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a throat culture using a sterile swab.
B. Administer an oral dose of acetaminophen.
C. Examine the throat using a tongue blade.
D. Place the child in an upright, tripod position.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The tripod position helps the child maintain an open airway and facilitates
easier breathing. The nurse should never use a tongue blade or obtain a throat culture in a
child with suspected epiglottitis, as this can trigger laryngospasm and complete airway
obstruction. Maintaining airway patency is the highest priority in the management of this
medical emergency.
, 4. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include regarding the administration of pancreatic
enzymes?
A. Give the enzymes with every meal and snack.
B. Administer the enzymes once daily in the morning.
C. Mix the enzymes into a hot bowl of oatmeal.
D. Omit the enzymes if the child is having frequent fatty stools.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pancreatic enzymes must be taken with all meals and snacks to assist in the
digestion and absorption of nutrients. These enzymes are necessary because the thick
mucus associated with cystic fibrosis blocks the pancreatic ducts. If stools become bulky or
fatty, the dosage may need to be increased rather than omitted.
5. A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has a diagnosis of intussusception. Which of
the following stool characteristics should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Ribbon-like, foul-smelling stools
B. Frothy, pale stools with high fat content
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Red currant jelly-like stools
Correct Answer: D
Q&A with Rationale | Chamberlain University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has a prescription for
betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client
regarding the purpose of this medication?
A. It is used to stop your preterm labor contractions.
B. It helps stimulate the production of surfactant in the baby’s lungs.
C. It prevents the development of maternal infection.
D. It decreases the risk of maternal hypertension.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid administered to clients in preterm labor
to accelerate fetal lung maturity. It specifically stimulates the production of surfactant,
which reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the neonate. This medication is
typically given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and requires at least 24 hours to be effective.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV
infusion for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
B. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr
,C. Respiratory rate of 14/min
D. Blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Urinary output of less than 30 mL/hr is a potential sign of magnesium
toxicity, as the drug is excreted by the kidneys. The nurse must also monitor for absent
deep tendon reflexes and a respiratory rate below 12/min. Immediate notification of the
provider is necessary to prevent cardiac or respiratory arrest.
3. A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who has a suspected diagnosis of epiglottitis. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a throat culture using a sterile swab.
B. Administer an oral dose of acetaminophen.
C. Examine the throat using a tongue blade.
D. Place the child in an upright, tripod position.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The tripod position helps the child maintain an open airway and facilitates
easier breathing. The nurse should never use a tongue blade or obtain a throat culture in a
child with suspected epiglottitis, as this can trigger laryngospasm and complete airway
obstruction. Maintaining airway patency is the highest priority in the management of this
medical emergency.
, 4. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has cystic fibrosis. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include regarding the administration of pancreatic
enzymes?
A. Give the enzymes with every meal and snack.
B. Administer the enzymes once daily in the morning.
C. Mix the enzymes into a hot bowl of oatmeal.
D. Omit the enzymes if the child is having frequent fatty stools.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pancreatic enzymes must be taken with all meals and snacks to assist in the
digestion and absorption of nutrients. These enzymes are necessary because the thick
mucus associated with cystic fibrosis blocks the pancreatic ducts. If stools become bulky or
fatty, the dosage may need to be increased rather than omitted.
5. A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who has a diagnosis of intussusception. Which of
the following stool characteristics should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Ribbon-like, foul-smelling stools
B. Frothy, pale stools with high fat content
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Red currant jelly-like stools
Correct Answer: D
