A nurse is caring for a client with eclampsia who is having a tonic-clonic seizure.
Which action should the nurse take first?
Administer oxygen via face mask
Turn the client to the side
Insert an oral airway
Give a loading dose of magnesium sulfate
The Correct Answer is B
Turn the client to the side. This is because turning the client to the side will prevent aspiration of secretions or vomitus and maintain a patent airway during a seizure.
This is the most important and immediate action to take for a client with eclampsia who is having a tonic-clonic seizure.
Choice A is wrong because administering oxygen via face mask is not the first priority and may not be feasible during a seizure. Oxygen therapy may be indicated after the seizure to improve oxygenation and fetal well-being.
Choice C is wrong because inserting an oral airway is contraindicated during a seizure as it may cause injury to the oral mucosa or trigger a gag reflex. An oral airway may be used after the seizure if the client is unconscious and has a compromised airway.
Choice D is wrong because giving a loading dose of magnesium sulfate is not the first action to take, although it is an important intervention to prevent further seizures and lower blood pressure in eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate should be administered intravenously after securing the airway and ensuring adequate ventilation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Administer calcium gluconate as an antidote if toxicity occurs.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with severe preeclampsia.However, it can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest.Calcium gluconate is an antidote that can reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate and restore normal neuromuscular function.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect blood glucose levels.
There is no need to monitor the client’s blood glucose level every 4 hours.
Choice C is wrong because the infusion should be discontinued if the client’s respiratory rate is below 12/min, not 16/min.
A low respiratory rate indicates respiratory depression, which is a sign of magnesium toxicity.
Choice D is wrong because the infusion rate should not be increased if the client’s urine output is above 30 mL/hr.Urine output should be at least 30 mL/hr while administering magnesium sulfate to prevent accumulation of the drug in the body.
Increasing the infusion rate can increase the risk of toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Level of consciousness.
This is because magnesium sulfate, which is given to prevent seizures in severe preeclampsia, can cause respiratory depression and coma if the dose is too high.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s level of consciousness and respiratory rate closely and report any signs of toxicity to the provider.
Choice A is wrong because hourly intake and output is not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should monitor the urinary output as a sign of renal function and fluid balance and report any output less than 30 ml per hour.
Choice B is wrong because deep tendon reflexes are not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should check the reflexes as a sign of neuromuscular irritability and report any hyperreflexia or clonus.
Choice C is wrong because lung sounds are not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should auscultate the lungs as a sign of pulmonary edema and report any crackles or wheezes.
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