A nurse is educating a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously about the possible side effects of the medication.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
“You may feel warm and flushed while receiving this medication.”
“You may experience increased thirst and dry mouth while receiving this medication.”
“You may have difficulty sleeping and feel restless while receiving this medication.”
“You may notice swelling and redness at the infusion site while receiving this medication.”
The Correct Answer is A
“You may feel warm and flushed while receiving this medication.” This is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy, which is used to prevent seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate can also help prolong a pregnancy for up to two days by relaxing the uterus.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause fluid retention and swelling, not dehydration. Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause drowsiness and lethargy, not insomnia and restlessness. Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause decreased blood pressure and heart rate, not inflammation and infection at the infusion site.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg, for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, and for protein in urine are less than 300 milligrams per day.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute.This indicates that the client is experiencingmagnesium toxicity, which can causemuscle weakness,difficulty breathing, andcardiac arrest.The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/minute.
Choice B is wrong because deep tendon reflexes of 2+ are normal and do not indicate magnesium toxicity.
Choice C is wrong because urinary output of 40 mL/hour is within the normal range of 30 to 50 mL/hour.Magnesium toxicity can cause urine retention, not increased output.
Choice D is wrong because serum magnesium level of 6 mEq/L is within the normal range of 1.7 to 2.3 mEq/L.Magnesium toxicity occurs when the level is above 2.6 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a manifestation of severe preeclampsia that indicates liver involvement and can precede a seizure.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for possible delivery of the baby.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg is a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 110 mm Hg or higher.
Choice B is wrong because urine protein of 2+ is also a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the urine protein is 3+ or higher.
Choice D is wrong because facial edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy and does not indicate severe preeclampsia.Other signs of severe preeclampsia include headache, blurred vision, oliguria, thrombocytopenia, and pulmonary edema.
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