What vital sign finding should be reported after a client who is 28 weeks pregnant has received terbutaline?

Study for the VATI RN Maternal Newborn Assessment Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your RN exam!

Terbutaline is a medication commonly used to relax the uterus and manage preterm labor. One of the potential side effects of terbutaline is tachycardia, which is an increased heart rate. A normal resting heart rate for an adult is typically between 60-100 beats per minute, and elevations above this can indicate a side effect of the medication.

In this scenario, a heart rate of 132 beats per minute indicates significant tachycardia and is important to report as it could potentially lead to cardiovascular complications for both the mother and the fetus. This finding would require further assessment and possible intervention to ensure the safety of both the patient and the fetus.

A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is also elevated but might be considered less alarming in some clinical contexts, as it is closer to the threshold of common tachycardia concerns. Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg and a temperature of 98.6°F fall within acceptable ranges and would likely not raise immediate concerns in this context. Therefore, the heart rate of 132/min is critical to report, as it indicates a documented adverse effect potentially related to the terbutaline administration.

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