A woman with severe preeclampsia is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion. The nurse becomes concerned after assessment when the woman exhibits:
a sleepy, sedated affect.
absent ankle clonus.
a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min.
deep tendon reflexes of 2+.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: A sleepy, sedated affect is not a concerning sign, as it is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness, lethargy, and reduced alertness.
Choice B reason: Absent ankle clonus is not a concerning sign, as it indicates a normal neuromuscular response. Ankle clonus is a rhythmic jerking of the foot when the ankle is dorsiflexed. It is a sign of hyperreflexia, which can occur in severe preeclampsia due to increased blood pressure and cerebral edema.
Choice C reason: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min is a concerning sign, as it indicates respiratory depression. This is a serious complication of magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can lead to respiratory arrest and death. The nurse should monitor the woman's respiratory rate closely and report any signs of respiratory distress.
Choice D reason: Deep tendon reflexes of 2+ are not a concerning sign, as they indicate a normal neuromuscular response. Deep tendon reflexes are graded from 0 to 4, with 2 being the average. Magnesium sulfate can cause hyporeflexia or areflexia, which are signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Urinary frequency is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, due to the increased pressure of the uterus on the bladder. It is not a sign of complication and does not need to be reported immediately.
Choice B reason: Rupture of membranes is the breaking of the amniotic sac, which can occur spontaneously or artificially before or during labor. It is a sign of impending delivery and can increase the risk of infection. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.
Choice C reason: Heartburn accompanied by severe headache can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. It can lead to eclampsia, which is a life-threatening seizure disorder. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.
Choice D reason: Decreased libido is a normal change in pregnancy, due to hormonal fluctuations, physical discomfort, and emotional stress. It is not a sign of complication and does not need to be reported immediately.
Choice E reason: Vaginal bleeding can indicate various complications in pregnancy, such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or miscarriage. It can pose a threat to the mother and the fetus. It should be reported immediately to the health care provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Biophysical profile is a test that assesses the fetal well-being by measuring five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice B reason: Lecithin/sphingomyelin [L/S] ratio is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid. It is used to evaluate the fetal lung maturity and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice C reason: Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum is a test that determines the blood type and Rh factor of the mother and the fetus. It is used to identify the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice D reason: Multiple-marker screening is a test that measures the levels of four substances in the maternal serum: alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A. It is used to estimate the risk of Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects in the fetus.
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