A nurse is evaluating the fetal heart rate tracing of a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate.
The nurse should identify that which of the following patterns indicates a potential adverse effect of the medication on the fetus?
Accelerations
Early decelerations
Variable decelerations
Absent variability
The Correct Answer is D
According to the search results, magnesium sulfate can have a negative effect on the fetal heart rate (FHR) by lowering the baseline, decreasing the variability, and reducing the reactivity or acceleration pattern. Absent variability means that there is no fluctuation in the FHR and it indicates fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
This is a potential adverse effect of magnesium sulfate on the fetus and requires immediate intervention.
Choice A. Accelerations is wrong because accelerations are transient increases in the FHR that indicate fetal well-being. They are not affected by magnesium sulfate.
Choice B. Early decelerations is wrong because early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that occur with uterine contractions and are caused by fetal head compression. They are benign and do not indicate fetal distress. They are not associated with magnesium sulfate.
Choice C. Variable decelerations is wrong because variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in shape, duration, and timing and are caused by umbilical cord compression.
They may or may not indicate fetal compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Leukocoria (white pupils) is a symptom of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disease that can happen in premature babies.ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye.
Choice B is wrong because strabismus (crossed eyes) is not a symptom of ROP, but a possible complication that can occur later in life.
Choice C is wrong because nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) is not a symptom of ROP, but another possible complication that can occur later in life.
Choice D is wrong because it includes choices B and C, which are incorrect.
Normal ranges for gestational age and birth weight are 38 to 42 weeks and 5.5 to 10 pounds, respectively.Babies born before 31 weeks or weighing less than 3 pounds are at risk for ROP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate is a drug that is used to prevent seizures associated with pre-eclampsia and to stop preterm labor.However, it can also cause adverse effects such as respiratory depression, which is a condition where the breathing rate becomes too slow and shallow.
Respiratory depression can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby, so the nurse should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hypotension, not hypertension.Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hyporeflexia, not hyperreflexia.Hyporeflexia is a reduced or absent reflex response, which can indicate magnesium toxicity.
The nurse should check the client’s deep tendon reflexes regularly and stop the infusion if they are absent.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can reduce the blood flow to vital organs.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.