A nurse is providing education to a client during a prenatal visit. Which of the following medications should the nurse include as contraindicated during pregnancy?

Rationale:

A. Prepare an IV bolus of dextrose 5% in water: Dextrose in water does not reverse magnesium toxicity. It may be used as a fluid carrier but does not serve as an antidote or address the neuromuscular and cardiac effects of excessive magnesium.

B. Administer calcium gluconate IV: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. It helps reverse respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac conduction delays caused by high magnesium levels, making it the immediate intervention.

C. Position the client supine: The supine position can worsen hypotension by decreasing venous return, especially in pregnant clients. Left lateral positioning is generally preferred to improve circulation to vital organs and the fetus.

D. Administer methylergonovine IM: Methylergonovine is used to treat postpartum hemorrhage, but it is contraindicated in clients with hypertension or preeclampsia due to its vasoconstrictive effects. It does not treat magnesium toxicity and could increase blood pressure dangerously.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Evaluating the fetal heart rate tracing: The client’s report of decreased fetal movement and severe hypertension raises concern for fetal compromise. Immediate fetal assessment ensures the fetus is tolerating the intrauterine environment, especially before administering medications like magnesium sulfate.
• Administering magnesium sulfate IV: This is prescribed to prevent eclampsia, given the client’s severely elevated BP, hyperreflexia, and proteinuria. After confirming fetal status, seizure prophylaxis should be initiated without delay.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Administering acetaminophen PO: Although ordered for headache, the symptom is a manifestation of severe preeclampsia. Treating it symptomatically without addressing its cause could delay necessary critical interventions.
• Obtaining a 24-hour urine collection: Useful for confirming the extent of proteinuria, but not immediately necessary for clinical decision-making given existing positive findings.
• Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter: This supports fluid monitoring during magnesium therapy, but fetal assessment and seizure prevention take precedence.
• Administering betamethasone IM: Important for fetal lung development in preterm pregnancies, but it is not the immediate priority when there is a high risk for seizure or fetal distress.