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?
Serum magnesium level
Serum potassium level
Serum sodium level
Serum calcium level
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A) Serum magnesium level. Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia. It is often given intravenously and can also be used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days. However, magnesium sulfate can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum magnesium level to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL.
Choice B) Serum potassium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the potassium level significantly.
Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
The normal range of potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C) Serum sodium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the sodium level significantly.
Sodium is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.
The normal range of sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the calcium level significantly.
Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.
The normal range of calcium level is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and D.These choices reflect the laboratory findings that are expected in a client who has HELLP syndrome.HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia and has similar symptoms.It can cause serious blood and liver problems.
Choice A is correct because hemoglobin of 9 g/dL indicates hemolysis, which is the breaking down of red blood cells.The normal range of hemoglobin for pregnant women is 11 to 16 g/dL.
Choice B is correct because platelets of 90,000/mm3 indicate thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count.The normal range of platelets for pregnant women is 150,000 to 400,000/mm3.
Choice C is correct because AST of 120 U/L indicates elevated liver enzymes, which reflect liver injury.The normal range of AST for pregnant women is 10 to 40 U/L.
Choice D is correct because LDH of 600 U/L indicates elevated lactate dehydrogenase, which is a marker of hemolysis.The normal range of LDH for pregnant women is 140 to 280 U/L.
Choice E is wrong because WBC of 15,000/mm3 indicates leukocytosis, which is not a feature of HELLP syndrome.The normal range of WBC for pregnant women is 5,000 to 15,000/mm3.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D) Level of consciousness and reflexes.This is because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity and affect the central nervous system, leading to decreased level of consciousness and loss of reflexes.These are signs that the dose of magnesium sulfate should be reduced or stopped.
The nurse should prioritize assessing these parameters to prevent seizures and avoid magnesium toxicity.
Choice A) Respiratory rate and depth is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause respiratory depression, but this is a less common and less sensitive indicator of toxicity than level of consciousness and reflexes.
Choice B) Urine output and color is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause renal impairment, but this is not directly related to preventing seizures.However, urine output should be monitored to ensure adequate hydration and renal function.
Choice C) Blood pressure and heart rate is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause hypotension and bradycardia, but these are not the primary goals of therapy.Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored to assess the severity of preeclampsia and the response to antihypertensive medications.
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