Once preterm labor is diagnosed, which of the following medications should be considered as tocolytic?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the management of preterm labor, tocolytic agents are used to inhibit uterine contractions and delay preterm birth. The correct answer is A) Magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is a commonly used tocolytic agent as it works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, thereby reducing contractions and delaying labor. It is considered safe and effective for this purpose. Option B) Sodium bicarbonate is incorrect as it is not a tocolytic agent. Sodium bicarbonate is typically used to treat metabolic acidosis or certain cases of drug overdose. Option C) Calcium carbonate is also incorrect as it is not used as a tocolytic agent. Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine are sometimes used as tocolytics, but not calcium carbonate. Option D) Epinephrine is incorrect as it is a medication used for managing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or cardiac arrest, not for tocolysis. Educational Context: Understanding the appropriate use of tocolytic agents is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant women at risk of preterm labor. By knowing which medications are effective in delaying labor and the rationale behind their use, nurses can provide optimal care and support to both the mother and the unborn baby. Magnesium sulfate is a key medication in this context, and nurses need to be familiar with its administration, monitoring, and potential side effects to ensure safe and effective care for pregnant women experiencing preterm labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Hypoglycemia. When a newborn has hypoxemia due to hypothermia, it is essential for the therapist to be aware of the potential for hypoglycemia. Hypothermia can lead to decreased glucose production, utilization, and storage in the body, putting the newborn at risk for low blood sugar levels. Option A) Hypercarbia, refers to high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is not directly related to hypothermia-induced hypoxemia in this case. Option C) Hypocalcemia is a condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood and is not typically associated with hypoxemia due to hypothermia in newborns. Option D) Left-to-right shunt is a cardiac condition where there is abnormal blood flow between the left and right sides of the heart, which is not directly linked to hypoxemia due to hypothermia in this context. Educational context: Understanding the potential complications and conditions associated with hypoxemia due to hypothermia in newborns is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working in pediatric respiratory care. Recognizing and addressing factors like hypoglycemia promptly can significantly impact the management and outcomes of these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Maternal diabetes. Maternal diabetes is the most common cause of neonatal hypoglycemia due to the fetus being exposed to high levels of glucose in utero. When the baby is born, their insulin production remains high to counter the excess glucose, leading to hypoglycemia as they are no longer receiving the high glucose levels from the mother. Option A) Prematurity is not the most common cause of neonatal hypoglycemia, although preterm infants are at higher risk due to their immature liver function. Option B) Intrauterine growth restriction can lead to neonatal hypoglycemia, but it is not the most common cause. Babies with intrauterine growth restriction may have decreased glycogen stores, predisposing them to hypoglycemia. Option D) Asphyxia can also result in neonatal hypoglycemia, but it is not the most common cause. Asphyxia can lead to decreased glycogen stores and increased metabolic demands, contributing to hypoglycemia. Educationally, understanding the common causes of neonatal hypoglycemia is crucial for nurses caring for newborns, especially those born to mothers with diabetes. Recognizing the risk factors and signs of hypoglycemia early can help prevent complications and promote optimal outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a neonate diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), the recommended treatment is option B) Morphine or methadone. This is because NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to addictive substances in utero and experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth. Morphine or methadone is used to help manage the withdrawal symptoms in a controlled manner to prevent severe complications. Option A) Antibiotics are not the correct treatment for NAS as it is not an infection that requires antibiotic therapy. Option C) Surfactant therapy is used to treat respiratory distress syndrome, not NAS. Option D) Oxygen therapy may be needed in some cases of NAS to support the baby's respiratory function, but it is not the primary treatment for NAS. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome is crucial for nurses working in pediatric settings. By knowing the correct interventions, nurses can provide safe and effective care for infants with NAS, ensuring their well-being and helping them through the withdrawal process with minimal complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important aspect of caring for a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia after birth is to maintain airway patency (Option A). This is crucial because in diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal contents can move into the chest cavity, leading to lung compression and respiratory distress. Ensuring a clear airway allows for adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which is vital for the neonate's survival. Administering oxygen therapy (Option B) is important in respiratory support but is secondary to ensuring a patent airway. Oxygen therapy can help improve oxygen saturation levels, but without a clear airway, its effectiveness is limited. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Option C) is not directly related to the immediate care of a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia. While monitoring blood glucose is important in neonatal care, it is not the priority in this situation. Providing adequate nutrition (Option D) is essential for overall neonatal care but is not the most critical aspect in the immediate care of a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia. Without addressing the airway issue first, providing nutrition may not be effective or even possible. In an educational context, understanding the priority interventions in caring for neonates with specific conditions like diaphragmatic hernia is crucial for nurses, especially those preparing for exams like the NCLEX. This knowledge ensures that nurses can provide safe and effective care, prioritizing interventions based on the needs of the neonate to achieve optimal outcomes.