Question

A nurse is admitting a client at 39 weeks gestation and in active labor. The client reports being positive for group B streptococcus (GBS) when screened at 36 weeks gestation. What intervention is necessary?

Answer 1

To prevent transmission of GBS to the newborn and lower the risk of neonatal meningitis, the nurse should administer intravenous antibiotics to the mother during labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should administer intravenous antibiotics to the mother who is 39 weeks gestation and positive for Group B streptococcus (GBS) during labor. This is a crucial intervention to prevent the potential transmission of GBS to the newborn, which can cause serious infections such as neonatal meningitis. The antibiotic therapy will reduce the risk of early onset neonatal meningitis by minimizing the bacterial load and decreasing the likelihood of the infant contracting the bacteria during childbirth.