A nurse is caring for a client with preeclampsia who is being treated with IV magnesium sulfate. The client’s respiratory rate is 10/min and deep-tendon reflexes are absent.
What action should the nurse take?
Prepare for an emergency cesarean birth
Position the client in Trendelenburg
Discontinue the medication infusion
Assess maternal blood glucose
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean birth may be necessary in some cases of preeclampsia, particularly if there are signs of fetal distress or if the condition is not responding to treatment. However, in this scenario, the client’s symptoms are indicative of magnesium toxicity, not worsening preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the client in Trendelenburg (with the head lower than the feet) is not typically used in the management of preeclampsia or magnesium toxicity.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the medication infusion is the correct action in this scenario. The client’s symptoms (respiratory rate of 10/min and absent deep-tendon reflexes) are indicative of magnesium toxicity, a potential complication of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium sulfate is used in the management of preeclampsia to prevent seizures, but it can cause toxicity if the levels become too high. If signs of toxicity occur, the infusion should be discontinued immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing maternal blood glucose may be necessary in some cases, particularly if the client has a history of diabetes. However, it is not the priority in this scenario, as the client’s symptoms are indicative of magnesium toxicity, not hyperglycemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. While NAS can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice B rationale
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. While DDH can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice C rationale
Subgaleal hemorrhage is a rare but potentially lethal condition in newborns, usually resulting from vacuum-assisted delivery. While it can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice D rationale
Congenital cardiac defects are the most common type of birth defect. They can alter the way blood flows through the heart and pose a significant risk to a newborn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Covering the cord with the diaper can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth and delays healing.
Choice B rationale
Washing the cord daily with mild soap and water is not recommended. It’s better to keep the cord dry and clean.
Choice C rationale
Applying petroleum jelly to the cord stump is not advised. It can create a moist environment that can delay the drying and falling off of the stump.
Choice D rationale
Giving a sponge bath until the cord stump falls off is the correct instruction. This prevents the stump from getting wet, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
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