Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam 2023 Related

Review Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam 2023 related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client at 34 weeks' gestation with suspected preterm labor. What is the priority nursing action?

  • A. Administer corticosteroids as prescribed.
  • B. Encourage ambulation to relieve contractions.
  • C. Provide the client with a high-protein snack.
  • D. Monitor maternal blood pressure.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer corticosteroids as prescribed. Administering corticosteroids helps accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. It is the priority action in suspected preterm labor at 34 weeks' gestation.

Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: Encouraging ambulation may not be safe in preterm labor as it can increase the risk of delivering the baby prematurely.
C: Providing a high-protein snack is not the priority action in suspected preterm labor.
D: Monitoring maternal blood pressure is important, but not the priority in this situation where the focus is on preventing complications for the preterm infant.