A woman is receiving magnesium sulfate as part of her treatment for severe preeclampsia. The nurse is monitoring the woman's serum magnesium levels. The nurse determines that the drug is at a therapeutic level based on which result?
8.4 mEq/L
6.1 mEq/L
10.8 mEq/L
3.3 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is B
A. 8.4 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range and may indicate magnesium toxicity. Levels greater than 7.5–8 mEq/L can lead to loss of deep tendon reflexes, and higher levels can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
B. 6.1 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for magnesium sulfate when used to treat severe preeclampsia, which is generally 4.8–8.4 mEq/L (or 4–7 mEq/L depending on the source and unit of measurement). This level is considered safe and effective for preventing seizures.
C. 10.8 mEq/L is too high and indicates magnesium toxicity, placing the patient at risk for serious complications like respiratory or cardiac arrest.
D. 3.3 mEq/L is below the therapeutic range, suggesting that the dose may be inadequate to prevent eclamptic seizures in a woman with severe preeclampsia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ice helps to reduce swelling, numb the area, and relieve pain during the first 24 hours after an episiotomy. Applying ice immediately after birth can help minimize discomfort and inflammation.
B. Offer warm blankets may provide comfort but will not specifically target pain relief or swelling at the site of the episiotomy.
C. Offer a warm sitz bath is beneficial for postpartum healing and pain relief but should not be used immediately after the procedure. Warm sitz baths are typically recommended after the first 24 hours to promote relaxation and improve blood circulation.
D. Encourage the woman to void is important for overall comfort and bladder function but will not directly address the pain from the episiotomy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Nonshivering thermogenesis is the primary method of heat production in newborns. Unlike adults, newborns do not generate heat through shivering. Instead, they rely on the metabolism of brown adipose tissue (brown fat) to produce heat. This process is triggered by exposure to cold and helps maintain body temperature.
B. Cold stress is a condition, not a heat production mechanism. It occurs when the newborn is exposed to cold temperatures, leading to increased oxygen and energy demands as the body attempts to produce heat — which can be dangerous.
C. Convection is a method of heat loss, not production. It occurs when heat is lost from the body surface to cooler surrounding air (e.g., drafts in the room).
D. Bilirubin conjugation is related to the liver's processing of bilirubin and has nothing to do with thermoregulation.
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