Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Pharmacology in Maternal-Newborn Nursing 2

Question 1

A patient with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate 2 g/hr IV. The nurse notes the deep tendon reflexes are absent. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the infusion and administer calcium gluconate IV

Answer

Increase the magnesium infusion rate to prevent seizures

Answer

Document the finding and continue monitoring

Answer

Notify the charge nurse and obtain a repeat blood pressure

Question 2

A patient at 32 weeks gestation with a placenta previa has received betamethasone 12 mg IM. When should the second dose be administered?

Accepted Answer

24 hours after the first dose

Answer

12 hours after the first dose

Answer

48 hours after the first dose

Answer

72 hours after the first dose

Question 3

A patient receives terbutaline for preterm labor. Which maternal side effect requires the nurse to notify the healthcare provider immediately?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate of 130 bpm with chest pain

Answer

Mild tremors and palpitations

Answer

Mild headache and facial flushing

Answer

Transient nausea and diaphoresis

Question 4

A postpartum patient requires methylergonovine (Methergine) for uterine atony after vaginal delivery. Which condition is an absolute contraindication?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension with blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg

Answer

Breastfeeding

Answer

Gestational age less than 37 weeks

Answer

Previous cesarean delivery

Question 5

A newborn is diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Morphine is ordered to treat withdrawal symptoms. What is the primary nursing assessment during this treatment?

Accepted Answer

Use a validated NAS scoring tool (such as Finnegan) to titrate morphine dose

Answer

Monitor blood pressure every 15 minutes

Answer

Check blood glucose levels every hour

Answer

Perform daily ECG monitoring for QT prolongation

Question 6

A 34-week neonate is started on caffeine citrate for apnea of prematurity. What is the primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits adenosine receptors in the brainstem to stimulate respiratory drive

Answer

Stimulates surfactant production in type II pneumocytes

Answer

Causes bronchodilation by relaxing smooth muscle

Answer

Activates dopamine receptors to increase heart rate