A nurse is assessing a client who has preeclampsia and received a dose of calcium gluconate to treat magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that calcium gluconate was effective?
Respiratory rate 12/min.
Absent deep tendon reflexes.
Slurred speech.
Urine output 22 mL/hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 12/min indicates that the respiratory depression caused by magnesium sulfate toxicity has been effectively reversed by calcium gluconate. Normal respiratory rate in adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Choice B rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes indicate ongoing magnesium sulfate toxicity. Calcium gluconate administration should restore normal reflexes, not cause their absence.
Choice C rationale
Slurred speech is a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Effective treatment with calcium gluconate should improve neurological function and resolve symptoms like slurred speech.
Choice D rationale
A urine output of 22 mL/hr is below the normal range and suggests renal impairment or ongoing toxicity. Effective treatment should result in an increase in urine output to within the normal range (greater than 30 mL/hr).
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 34/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This does not indicate immediate distress.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not a sign of critical illness.
Choice C rationale
Caput succedaneum, a swelling of the soft tissues of the newborn's scalp, is a common and benign condition that resolves on its own within a few days. It does not require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
An axillary temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is considered low and may indicate hypothermia in a newborn. Hypothermia can lead to serious complications, so this newborn requires immediate assessment and intervention to stabilize their body temperature.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevated BUN levels (25 mg/dL) can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake. However, it’s not directly related to a prenatal complication, though it still requires monitoring.
Choice B rationale
Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 10.2 mg/dL is below the normal range (11 to 16 mg/dL) and can indicate anemia. During pregnancy, anemia can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, making this result significant.
Choice C rationale
A fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL falls within the normal range (70 to 110 mg/dL) and does not indicate a complication. Thus, it is not concerning in the context of prenatal complications.
Choice D rationale
Hematocrit (Hct) of 32% is slightly below the normal range (33 to 47%), which can be common in pregnancy due to increased plasma volume. While monitoring is required, it’s not as critical as anemia.
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