A nurse is assessing a client who has eclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity?
Respiratory rate of 10/min
Urine output of 40 mL/hr
Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL
Patellar reflex 2+
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Respiratory rate of 10/min. This indicates that the client is experiencing magnesium toxicity, which can cause muscle weakness, lethargy, and respiratory depression.
Magnesium sulfate is a medication used to prevent seizures in clients with eclampsia, but it can also have adverse effects if the dose is too high or the kidney function is impaired.
Choice B. Urine output of 40 mL/hr is wrong because this is within the normal range for urine output.
The minimum urine output should be at least 30 mL/hr.
Choice C. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is wrong because this is within the normal range for serum magnesium. The normal range is 1.7–2.3 mg/dL.
Choice D. Patellar reflex 2+ is wrong because this is a normal finding for deep tendon reflexes.
A decreased or absent patellar reflex could indicate magnesium toxicity, as magnesium sulfate
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and E.These are all possible symptoms of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur in the second half of pregnancy and cause high blood pressure, proteinuria and organ damage.
Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby if not treated promptly.
Choice D is wrong because polyuria (increased urination) is not a symptom of preeclampsia.In fact, some women with preeclampsia may have reduced urine output due to kidney damage.
Normal ranges for blood pressure during pregnancy are below 140/90 mmHg.Normal ranges for protein in urine are below 300 mg per 24 hours.Normal ranges for reflexes are 1+ to 2+ on a scale of 0 to 4.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Platelets 80,000/mm3.This is because HELLP syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia characterized byHemolysis,Elevated Liver enzymes, andLow Platelets.Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting, and a normal range is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.A low platelet count (<100,000/mm3) indicates a risk of bleeding and organ damage.
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin 12 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnant women (11 to 16 g/dL).Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice C is wrong because AST 15 U/L is within the normal range for women (10 to 35 U/L).AST is a liver enzyme that indicates liver function, and elevated liver enzymes (>70 U/L) indicate liver damage.
Choice D is wrong because LDH 90 U/L is within the normal range for women (85 to 225 U/L).LDH is another liver enzyme that indicates liver function, and elevated LDH (>600 U/L) indicates liver damage.
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