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. Saturated with clots and mucus is not typical of lochia in either vaginal or cesarean births unless there is excessive bleeding or other complications. While clots are normal in the early days postpartum, lochia should not be saturated with them in a healthy postpartum recovery.

B. About the same as after a vaginal birth is incorrect because lochia after a cesarean birth tends to be less due to the surgical procedure. The uterus does not expel as much tissue or blood from the vaginal canal as in a vaginal delivery.

C. Greater than after a vaginal birth is incorrect. Although there is a possibility of more bleeding initially from the incision site in a cesarean birth, the amount of lochia is typically less due to the nature of the surgical delivery.

D. Less than after a vaginal birth is correct. After a cesarean birth, the lochia typically is less because the surgical delivery method does not involve the same physical exertion or vaginal tearing that occurs with a vaginal birth. Additionally, the surgical incision prevents some of the natural expulsion of blood and tissue.

A. I need to call my doctor if my temperature increases." B. can shower, but I shouldn't take a tub bath." C. "I need to keep a close eye on how active my baby is each day." D. "It's okay for my husband and me to have sexual intercourse."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "I need to call my doctor if my temperature increases." This is an appropriate and accurate statement. An elevated temperature could be a sign of infection, which is a risk for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). The woman should contact her healthcare provider if her temperature rises, as infection can lead to complications.

B. "I can shower, but I shouldn't take a tub bath." This is also correct. After PPROM, the woman is typically allowed to shower to maintain personal hygiene, but taking a tub bath can increase the risk of infection by allowing bacteria to enter the vagina.

C. "I need to keep a close eye on how active my baby is each day." This is a correct and helpful statement. Monitoring fetal movement is important for assessing the baby's well-being. Decreased fetal movement could indicate a potential problem, and the woman should contact her provider if she notices reduced activity.

D. "It's okay for my husband and me to have sexual intercourse." This statement indicates a need for additional teaching. Sexual intercourse is typically not recommended after PPROM because it could increase the risk of infection, especially if the membranes are ruptured. The woman should avoid sexual activity until advised otherwise by her healthcare provider.

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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

When caring for a mother who has had a cesarean birth, the nurse would expect the client's lochia to be:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a pregnant woman with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes about caring for herself after she is discharged home (which is to occur later this day). Which statement by the woman indicates a need for additional teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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