A nurse is providing teaching about the expected effects of magnesium sulfate to a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia.

Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A rationale:
BUN is within the normal range (10 to 20 mg/dL), so it's not an indication of a potential complication.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium is slightly below the normal range (3.5 to 5 mEq/L), indicating potential hypokalemia, which can be a complication.
Choice C rationale:
Hct is at the upper limit of the normal range (33% to 49%), but still within normal, so it's not a complication.
Choice D rationale:
Weight loss of 2 kg in 1 month during pregnancy is concerning and could indicate a complication such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice E rationale:
Heart rate is slightly elevated, which could indicate dehydration, a potential complication.
Choice F rationale:
Sodium is slightly below the normal range (136 to 145 mEq/L), but this alone is not typically a complication of pregnancy.
Choice G rationale:
Hgb is within the normal range (11 to 16 g/dL), so it's not a complication.
Choice H rationale:
Urine-specific gravity is above the normal range (1.005 to 1.030), indicating potential dehydration, a complication.

Choice A rationale:
Yellow exudate will form at the surgical site in 24 hours, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
A dark red appearance of the penis could indicate a complication such as infection or necrosis, which would require medical attention.
Choice C rationale:
The Plastibell is not removed manually; it falls off naturally within 5 to 8 days.
Choice D rationale:
A snug diaper could cause pressure and discomfort on the surgical site; it’s recommended to fasten the diaper loosely.

The Plastibell circumcision technique is one of the most common methods of newborn circumcision. It involves placing a plastic ring under the foreskin and tying a suture around it to cut off blood flow. The foreskin then falls off naturally with the ring in seven to 10 days.

The correct answer is A. The nurse should include that “yellow exudate will form at the surgical site in 24 hours” as part of the teaching to the parents. This is because the yellow exudate is a normal sign of healing and should not be confused with infection.

The other options are incorrect because:

b. The parents should notify the provider if the end of the baby’s penis appears black, not dark red. This could indicate that the ring is too tight and is cutting off blood supply to the glans.
c. The Plastibell will not be removed 4 hours after the procedure. It will stay on the penis until the foreskin falls off naturally in seven to 10 days.
d. The newborn’s diaper should be loose, not snug. This is to prevent the ring from being dislodged or rubbing against the diaper.