A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a client with HELLP syndrome.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Monitor the client’s deep tendon reflexes
Check the client’s urine output every hour
Administer calcium gluconate as an antidote if needed
Keep a bag of 0.9% sodium chloride solution at the bedside
Flush the IV line with heparin before and after infusion
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and D. Here is why:
• Choice A is correct because monitoring the client’s deep tendon reflexes is a way to assess the client’s neuromuscular status and the risk of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can cause muscle weakness and decreased reflexes.
• Choice B is correct because checking the client’s urine output every hour is a way to monitor the client’s renal function and fluid balance. Magnesium sulfate is excreted by the kidneys and can cause oliguria and fluid overload.
• Choice C is correct because administering calcium gluconate as an antidote if needed is a way to treat magnesium toxicity. Calcium gluconate reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.
• Choice D is correct because keeping a bag of 0.9% sodium chloride solution at the bedside is a way to prepare for possible complications of magnesium sulfate therapy such as hypotension, pulmonary edema, or cardiac arrest. Normal saline can help restore blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Choice E is wrong because flushing the IV line with heparin before and after infusion is not necessary or recommended for magnesium sulfate administration. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding and is not compatible with magnesium sulfate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hepatic rupture.The client with HELLP syndrome is experiencing severe epigastric pain and nausea due to liver damage caused by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.Hepatic rupture is a life-threatening complication of HELLP syndrome that can cause bleeding and shock.
Choice B.Pancreatitis is wrong because it is not a common complication of HELLP syndrome and it usually causes more diffuse abdominal pain rather than localized epigastric pain.
Choice C.Gastric ulcer is wrong because it is not associated with HELLP syndrome and it does not explain the other symptoms such as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.
Choice D.Cholecystitis is wrong because it is not related to HELLP syndrome and it usually causes right upper quadrant pain rather than epigastric pain.
Normal ranges for liver enzymes are AST < 40 IU/L and ALT < 56 IU/L.Normal range for platelet count is 150-400 x 10⁹/L.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Coagulation profile.This is because HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication that involveshemolysis(breaking down of red blood cells),elevated liver enzymes(indicating liver injury) andlow platelet count(impairing blood clotting).A coagulation profile can help monitor these abnormalities and assess the risk of bleeding or clotting complications.
Choice A is wrong because blood glucose is not directly affected by HELLP syndrome, although it may be elevated in women with gestational diabetes or pre-existing diabetes.
Choice B is wrong because serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function, not liver function.However, kidney function may also be impaired in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are associated with HELLP syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because thyroid function is not related to HELLP syndrome.Thyroid disorders may occur in pregnancy, but they have different symptoms and causes.
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