A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis.

The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?

Methyldopa is a drug that lowers blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

One of the possible side effects of methyldopa is hypotension, which means abnormally low blood pressure.Hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice A) Bradycardia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the heart rate directly.Bradycardia means a slow heart rate, which can be caused by other drugs or conditions.

Choice C) Hyperkalemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the potassium levels in the blood.Hyperkalemia means high potassium levels, which can be caused by kidney problems or other drugs.

Choice D) Hyperglycemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the glucose levels in the blood.Hyperglycemia means high glucose levels, which can be caused by diabetes or other conditions.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute, for potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L, and for glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL.

The correct answer is choice D) Swelling of the face, hands or feet.This is one of the signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension, which is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after delivery.Gestational hypertension can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, which is a severe condition that causes protein in the urine and other problems.

Choice A) Severe headache is wrong because it is not a specific sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a possible complication of gestational hypertension.

Choice B) Chest pain is wrong because it is not a common sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a sign of a serious heart problem or a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs.Chest pain during pregnancy should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Choice C) Nausea or vomiting is wrong because it is not a typical sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Normal blood pressure ranges for pregnant women are below 120/80 mm Hg.Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg after 20 weeks of pregnancy.