A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate therapy IV for preterm labor.
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering if the client exhibits hypotension, decreased urine output, and a respiratory rate of 10/min?

Choice A rationale

CBC (Complete Blood Count), CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), Urinalysis, and Clotting studies are crucial tests in this scenario. Headache, edema of the face, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain in a pregnant client at 37 weeks gestation are concerning for preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count). CBC can help detect hemolysis and thrombocytopenia, CMP can evaluate liver function, Urinalysis can check for proteinuria indicative of preeclampsia, and Clotting studies assess coagulation status, which is vital for detecting any disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) complications.

Choice B rationale

HgA1C is a test used to monitor long-term glucose control in clients with diabetes. Although it provides valuable information regarding glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, it is not relevant in the immediate assessment of acute symptoms like headache, edema, and abdominal pain in the context of preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome.

Choice C rationale

Abdominal ultrasound can be used to assess fetal well-being and placental function, but it does not directly address the immediate concerns associated with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. It can be a supportive diagnostic tool but not the primary assessment in this acute scenario.

Choice D rationale

CBC, Amylase, Lipase, and Bile acids are tests typically used to evaluate for pancreatitis or liver disease. While CBC is relevant, the inclusion of Amylase, Lipase, and Bile acids does not directly correlate with the specific symptoms of headache, edema, and right upper quadrant pain associated with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Thus, this combination is not the most appropriate set of diagnostic tests for the client's condition. .

Choice A rationale

Abdominal pain with no vaginal bleeding is not typically associated with placenta previa. This condition usually involves painless vaginal bleeding as the placenta covers or is near the cervix, not causing abdominal pain without bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Painless red vaginal bleeding is characteristic of placenta previa. The condition occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, leading to painless bleeding as the cervix begins to thin or dilate.

Choice C rationale

Sharp abdominal pain is not a common sign of placenta previa. This symptom is more indicative of conditions such as placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.

Choice D rationale

Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus is not typical of placenta previa. This pattern may suggest labor or other complications, not the classic presentation of painless bleeding seen in placenta previa.