A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

The client reports decreased uterine contractions

The client’s blood pressure decreases to within normal limits

The client’s deep tendon reflexes are 2+

The client’s urine output increases to more than 30 mL/hr

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic drug that inhibits uterine activity and relaxes smooth muscles. The goal of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor is to stop or reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions.

Choice B is wrong because the client’s blood pressure decreases to within normal limits.

Magnesium sulfate is not an antihypertensive drug and does not lower blood pressure. It is used to prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s deep tendon reflexes are 2+.

This is a normal finding and does not indicate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy. A decrease or loss of deep tendon reflexes may indicate magnesium toxicity, which is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s urine output increases to more than 30 mL/hr.

This is also a normal finding and does not indicate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy. A decrease in urine output may indicate renal impairment or magnesium toxicity, which are both adverse effects of the drug.

The normal range for serum magnesium level is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L or 1.8 to 3 mg/dL. The therapeutic range for magnesium sulfate management is 5 to 8 mg/dL.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

White blood cell count 25,000/mm3.

This indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is the death of intestinal tissue in premature or sick newborns.A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the bowel, which are common features of NEC.

Choice A is wrong because hematocrit 45% is within the normal range for newborns.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

A low hematocrit can indicate blood loss or anemia, which can be complications of NEC, but a normal hematocrit does not rule out NEC.

Choice B is wrong because platelets 150,000/mm3 is also within the normal range for newborns.

Platelets are cells that help the blood clot.A low platelet count can indicate a consumption coagulopathy, which is a bleeding disorder that can occur in severe cases of NEC.

However, a normal platelet count does not exclude NEC.

Choice D is wrong because blood glucose 80 mg/dL is also within the normal range for newborns.

Blood glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood.

A low blood glucose can indicate hypoglycemia, which can be caused by sepsis or other conditions that mimic NEC, but a normal blood glucose does not eliminate NEC.

A. Administer tocolytic medication to stop contractions B. Instruct the client to empty her bladder C. Obtain informed consent from the client D. Monitor fetal heart rate and activity

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Instruct the client to empty her bladder.This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of injury to the bladder or the uterus.Emptying the bladder also reduces discomfort during the procedure.

Choice A is wrong because administering tocolytic medication to stop contractions is not necessary before amniocentesis.Tocolytic medication can have side effects and should only be used when there is a clear indication of preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because obtaining informed consent from the client is not a nursing action, but a medical one.The nurse can assist in providing information and answering questions, but the final consent should be obtained by the doctor who will perform the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring fetal heart rate and activity is not a specific action before amniocentesis, but a routine part of prenatal care.Fetal heart rate and activity can be affected by many factors, such as maternal position, fetal sleep cycle, or maternal blood sugar level.

Monitoring them before amniocentesis does not provide any useful information for the procedure.

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A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

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A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?