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

Answer and Explanation

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Ferning is a test to detect ferning patterns in amniotic fluid under a microscope. A positive result indicates the presence of amniotic fluid but does not suggest infection.

B. Yellow-green fluid may suggest meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which is often associated with fetal distress, but it does not directly indicate infection. However, it can increase the risk of infection if the meconium is aspirated by the baby.

C. Foul odor is a key sign that infection may be present, particularly in the case of chorioamnionitis, an infection of the fetal membranes. A foul odor in the amniotic fluid suggests the presence of bacteria and should raise concern for infection, requiring prompt intervention.

D. Blue color on Nitrazine testing indicates that the amniotic fluid is alkaline, which is expected and normal, as amniotic fluid typically has a pH of 7-7.5. This test is used to confirm the rupture of membranes, not infection.

A. oligohydramnios B. chorioamnionitis C. preeclampsia D. post-term labor

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Oligohydramnios is more commonly associated with conditions like fetal growth restriction or placental insufficiency, and it is less common in twin pregnancies, which are actually more prone to polyhydramnios, especially in cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

B. Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes, which can occur in any pregnancy, particularly with prolonged rupture of membranes, but it is not uniquely or especially linked to twin pregnancies.

C. Preeclampsia is correct. Women carrying twins (or other multiples) are at significantly higher risk for developing preeclampsia due to the increased placental mass and associated vascular demands. Nurses should be particularly vigilant in monitoring for signs like elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, edema, and headaches in these clients.

D. Post-term labor is less likely in twin pregnancies, as multiples are more often born preterm, not post-term, due to uterine overdistension and other complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is conducting an assessment of a woman who has experienced PROM. Which amniotic fluid finding would lead the nurse to suspect infection as the cause of a client's PROM?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A woman pregnant with twins comes to the clinic for an evaluation. While assessing the client, the nurse would be especially alert for signs and symptoms for which potential problem?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client, which symptom indicates severity of pregnancy- induced hypertension and signs of HELLP syndrome?

A primipara client gave birth vaginally to a healthy newborn girl 12 hours ago. The nurse palpates the client's fundus. Which finding would the nurse identify as expected?

Which observed behavior would indicate to the nurse that a post-partum client had progressed to the "taking hold" phase?

A primipara client gave birth vaginally to a healthy newborn girl 48 hours ago. The nurse palpates the client's fundus and documents which finding as normal?

When assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth, the nurse measures an axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C), an apical pulse of 114 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute. The nurse would identify which area as the priority?

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome?

While performing a physical assessment of a newborn boy, the nurse notes diffuse edema of the soft tissues of his scalp that crosses suture lines. The nurse documents this finding as:

During a routine postpartum assessment following a normal vaginal delivery, the nurse notes the fundus is firm, but the level has changed from U-1 to U+1 and deviated to the left. Which action would be appropriate before continuing the assessment?