A nurse is assessing a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to suspect magnesium toxicity?
Respiratory rate 10/min
Urine output 40 mL/hr
Patellar reflex 2+
Serum magnesium level 4.5 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
Respiratory rate 10/min. This indicates muscle weakness and difficulty breathing, which are symptoms of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate is a medication that can cause magnesium overdose if given in excess or if the patient has impaired kidney function.
Choice B. Urine output 40 mL/hr is wrong because this is within the normal range for urine output, which is 30 to 50 mL/hr. Urine output may decrease in severe cases of magnesium toxicity due to urine retention.
Choice C. Patellar reflex 2+ is wrong because this is a normal finding for the knee-jerk reflex. A low or absent patellar reflex may indicate magnesium toxicity, as it reflects muscle weakness and nerve dysfunction.
Choice D. Serum magnesium level 4.5 mEq/L is wrong because this is within the normal range for serum magnesium, which is 1.7 to 2.3 mEq/L. Serum magnesium levels above 2.6 mEq/L can indicate hypermagnesemia or magnesium overdose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choices B, C, D, and E.These are all risk factors for pre-eclampsia according to various sources.
Choice A is wrong because age over 35 years is not a risk factor for pre-eclampsia by itself, although it may be associated with other conditions that increase the risk, such as chronic hypertension or diabetes.
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that involves high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and organ damage.It can affect both the mother and the fetus and can lead to serious complications such as eclampsia (seizures), placental abruption, and stillbirth.It is more common in first pregnancies, especially with a new partner, because of the immune response to the foreign fetal antigens.Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and multiple gestation are also risk factors because they increase the metabolic and vascular demands on the placenta and the mother.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 30 mg/dL on a random urine sample
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Oligohydramnios on ultrasound.Oligohydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume is less than expected for gestational age.It can be a sign of fetal compromise due to various causes, such as renal abnormalities, placental insufficiency, premature rupture of membranes, or chromosomal anomalies.Oligohydramnios can lead to complications such as fetal deformities, preterm birth, infection, or stillbirth.
Choice A is wrong because a fetal heart rate of 140 beats/min is within the normal range for most of pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because fetal movement of 10 times in an hour is also within the normal range and indicates fetal well-being.
Choice D is wrong because a reactive nonstress test is a reassuring sign that the fetus is not hypoxic or stressed.
Normal ranges:
• Amniotic fluid index (AFI): 5-25 cm
• Fetal heart rate: 110-160 beats/min
• Fetal movement: at least 10 movements in 2 hours
• Nonstress test: at least two accelerations of fetal heart rate of 15 beats/min for 15 seconds or more in 20 minutes
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.