QUESTION: "The physician orders betamethasone (Celestone) intramuscularly for a pregnant client admitted to the hospital at 34 weeks' gestation who is receiving intravenous tocolytic therapy for preterm labor. After administering the drug, the nurse would assess the client for which of the following as a possible side effect?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Hypoglycemia.
( O ) b.) Infection.
( X ) c.) Urinary frequency.
( X ) d.) Decreased skin turgor.
RATIONALE: Maternal side effects of betamethasone (Celestone, Soluspan) include increased risk of infection, initiation of lactation, gastrointestinal bleeding, weight gain, edema, and pulmonary edema when used concurrently with tocolytic agents.
Hypoglycemia may occur in the neonate but not in the mother. Urinary frequency is not a possible side effect of betamethasone. Decreased skin turgor is not considered a side effect of betamethasone. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Assessment CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
