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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Clear liquid diet may be appropriate later in treatment once symptoms improve, but it is not typically initiated immediately in a client with severe hyperemesis gravidarum, especially if they are unable to keep any fluids down.

B. Administration of labetalol is used to treat hypertension, particularly in preeclampsia, and is not related to the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.

C. Small frequent meals are part of long-term management or mild cases, but for severe hyperemesis gravidarum requiring hospitalization, oral intake is usually withheld initially.

D. Nothing by mouth (NPO) is correct. In severe hyperemesis gravidarum, the client is often kept NPO to rest the gastrointestinal tract and prevent further vomiting. Intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolytes, and sometimes antiemetic medications are administered to manage dehydration and nutritional deficits before gradually resuming oral intake.

A. elevated liver enzymes B. elevated platelet count C. leukocytosis D. hyperglycemia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Elevated liver enzymes is a key indicator of HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. HELLP syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia and can lead to liver damage. Elevated liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, are a hallmark of this condition, indicating liver dysfunction.

B. Elevated platelet count would be the opposite of what is expected in HELLP syndrome. In HELLP syndrome, there is typically low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), not an elevated one.

C. Leukocytosis refers to an increased white blood cell count, which can be indicative of an infection or inflammation, but it is not a hallmark of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily involves hemolysis, liver enzyme elevation, and low platelets.

D. Hyperglycemia is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. While it can occur in some pregnancy-related conditions, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. This condition is more associated with elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.

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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 client with severe hyperemesis gravidarum is admitted to the facility after being cared for at home without success. What would the nurse expect to include in the client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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