A nurse is assessing the fetal heart rate and uterine activity of a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

This indicates that the client has respiratory depression, which is a sign of magnesium toxicity.Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent and treat seizures in clients with eclampsia, but it can also cause adverse effects such as hypotension, decreased urine output, absent or diminished reflexes, and cardiac arrest.

Choice B is wrong because urine output of 50 mL/hr is within the normal range and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.The nurse should monitor the client’s urine output closely and report any decrease below 30 mL/hr.

Choice C is wrong because serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL for clients receiving magnesium sulfate.The nurse should monitor the client’s serum magnesium level regularly and report any increase above 8 mg/dL, which indicates toxicity.

Choice D is wrong because patellar reflex of 2+ is normal and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.The nurse should assess the client’s deep tendon reflexes frequently and report any decrease or absence of reflexes, which indicates toxicity.

Turn the client to the side.This is because turning the client to the side will prevent aspiration and maintain a patent airway during a seizure.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

• Choice B. Insert an oral airway.This is wrong because inserting an oral airway during a seizure can cause injury to the client’s mouth or teeth, and it can also stimulate the gag reflex and increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration.

• Choice C. Administer oxygen via face mask.This is wrong because administering oxygen via face mask during a seizure can be difficult and ineffective, as the client may not be able to breathe through the mask or may dislodge it with their movements.Oxygen can be given after the seizure has stopped, if needed.

• Choice D. Document the duration of the seizure.

This is wrong because documenting the duration of the seizure is not a priority action during a seizure.The nurse should first ensure the client’s safety and airway patency, and then document the seizure characteristics after it has ended.