A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate.
Which finding would indicate a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate?
Serum magnesium level of 4.5 mEq/L
Serum calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL
Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
This indicates a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate for a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate. According to some sources, the effective therapeutic serum magnesium level is 1.8–3.0 mmol/L, which corresponds to 4.2–7 mg/dL or 3.5–7 mEq/L.
Choice B is wrong because serum calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the effect of magnesium sulfate.
Choice C is wrong because serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the effect of magnesium sulfate.
Choice D is wrong because serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower end of the normal range and does not indicate the effect of magnesium sulfate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C and D.Epigastric pain and decreased fetal movement are signs of severe pre-eclampsia that indicate damage to the liver and placenta respectively.These symptoms should be reported to the health care provider immediately as they may lead to serious complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption or fetal growth restriction.
Choice A is wrong because sudden weight gain is a common symptom of mild pre-eclampsia that does not necessarily require immediate attention.However, it should be monitored regularly along with blood pressure and urine protein levels.
Choice B is wrong because swelling of the face and hands is also a common symptom of mild pre-eclampsia that does not indicate severe organ damage.It may be caused by fluid retention or edema.
Choice E is wrong because vaginal bleeding is not a typical symptom of pre-eclampsia.It may be a sign of other pregnancy complications such as placenta previa, placental abruption or cervical infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Deep tendon reflexes.
The nurse should monitor the client’s deep tendon reflexes to assess for signs of magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in clients with severe preeclampsia, but it can also have adverse effects on the neuromuscular system.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Blood pressure is a manifestation of preeclampsia, but it does not indicate magnesium toxicity.
Choice B is wrong because urine output is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Urine output should be at least 25 to 30 mL/hr to promote adequate excretion of magnesium, but it does not reflect the level of magnesium in the blood.
Choice D is wrong because fetal heart rate is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Fetal heart rate is important to monitor for signs of fetal distress, but it does not indicate maternal magnesium toxicity.
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