A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital and prescribed magnesium sulfate therapy.
What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to this patient?

This is because epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) which can affect the placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation.

The nurse should monitor the patient’s blood pressure frequently and intervene if it drops below the baseline.

Choice A is wrong because assessing the patient’s urine for acetone is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Acetone in urine can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to lack of insulin.

However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.

Choice B is wrong because monitoring the patient’s deep tendon reflexes is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Deep tendon reflexes can be affected by magnesium sulfate, a medication used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy).

However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.

Choice C is wrong because assessing the patient’s pupillary accommodation is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.

Pupillary accommodation is the ability of the eye to adjust its focus from distant to near objects.It can be impaired by drugs that affect the nervous system, such as opioids or anticholinergics.

The correct answer is choice C. Stretching your legs and pointing your toes toward your knee will bring relief from the leg cramps.This is because stretching can help relax the muscle and ease the spasm.

Choice A is wrong because elevating your legs may not help with leg cramps, and may actually worsen them by reducing blood flow to the muscles.

Choice B is wrong because massaging your legs may not be enough to relieve the cramps, and may also cause more pain if done too hard or too fast.

Choice D is wrong because putting a cold compress on the calf of your leg may not be effective for leg cramps, and may also cause more discomfort or inflammation.

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester.They are caused by various factors, such as pregnancy weight gain, changes in blood circulation, pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, nutrient deficiency, lack of exercise, or fluid buildup in your legs.To prevent or reduce leg cramps, you should drink plenty of water, stay active, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, wear comfortable shoes and socks, and sleep on your left side with a pillow under or between your legs.

If leg cramps persist or become severe, you should consult your healthcare provider for possible treatment options.