A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion to treat preeclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
Positive clonus
Urinary output 20 mL/hr
Respiratory rate 10/min
Deep tendon reflexes 2+
The Correct Answer is D
A. Positive clonus is a sign of hyperreflexia and can indicate worsening preeclampsia or severe central nervous system irritability. It is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate.
B. Urinary output 20 mL/hr is below the minimum expected urine output (which is generally 30 mL/hr). This finding suggests oliguria and may be a sign of worsening renal function, which is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate.
C. Respiratory rate 10/min is too low. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, and a respiratory rate of 10/min may indicate toxicity. This is not a therapeutic effect.
D. Deep tendon reflexes 2+ is the correct answer. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia by acting as a CNS depressant. A normal response of 2+ for deep tendon reflexes indicates that magnesium sulfate is having a therapeutic effect and the client is not experiencing magnesium toxicity (which would typically cause a decreased reflex response..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Using the telephone numbers of the clients is correct. According to The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals, at least two unique identifiers, such as date of birth and telephone number, should be used to verify client identity before administering medications to prevent errors.
B. Using the room numbers of the clients is incorrect. Room numbers can change, and relying on them increases the risk of medication errors if a client is moved or misidentified.
C. Using the diagnoses of the clients is incorrect. A diagnosis is not a unique identifier, as multiple clients in a unit may have the same or similar conditions, leading to potential confusion.
D. Using the names of the clients' nearest relatives is incorrect. Family members’ names do not provide a direct, unique way to verify the client’s identity, making them unreliable for medication administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client's heart rate has increased to 110/min is incorrect. While an increased heart rate can indicate pain, it can also be caused by other factors such as anxiety, dehydration, or fever. Heart rate alone is not the most specific or reliable indicator for the need for analgesia.
B. The client grimaces when changing positions is a possible sign of discomfort, but the level of pain cannot be accurately assessed from facial expressions alone. This may suggest mild to moderate pain but does not provide a clear numerical indication of the client's pain level.
C. The client reports pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10 is correct. The pain scale is a more direct and reliable measure of the client's pain experience. A rating of 7 indicates moderate to severe pain, which justifies the need for analgesic intervention.
D. The client demonstrates a decreased attention span could be related to pain or discomfort, but it may also result from other causes, such as fatigue, emotional stress, or medication side effects. This is not as definitive as a self-reported pain level.
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