Magnesium Sulfate is being administered intravenously to a client for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Which assessment finding should the nurse identify as a complication of this treatment?
Respiratory rate of 10 bpm.
Blood pressure of 148/94.
Deep tendon reflexes of +2.
Urine output of 70ml/hour.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
A respiratory rate of 10 bpm is significantly lower than the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute. This finding suggests respiratory depression, a potential complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Magnesium sulfate, when given intravenously, can lead to respiratory depression, hypotension, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Monitoring respiratory rate is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory depression, allowing prompt intervention to prevent respiratory failure.
Choice B rationale:
A blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg is elevated and indicates hypertension. While hypertension is a known side effect of magnesium sulfate, a blood pressure reading alone is not specific enough to indicate a complication of treatment. It is essential to consider other vital signs and symptoms for a comprehensive assessment.
Choice C rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes of +2 are within the normal range and do not indicate a complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) is a sign of magnesium toxicity, but +2 reflexes are normal. Monitoring deep tendon reflexes is crucial, but the given value is within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
An urine output of 70 ml/hour is within the normal range of urine output (30-60 ml/hour) for adults. While monitoring urine output is essential to assess renal function, this value does not indicate a complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Decreased urine output could suggest kidney injury, which is a potential complication of magnesium sulfate, but 70 ml/hour is within the normal range.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pulmonary stenosis is characterized by a systolic ejection murmur best heard at the upper left sternal border. It does not typically produce a continuous machinery-like murmur. Pulmonary stenosis results from narrowing at the pulmonary valve, obstructing blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Choice B rationale:
A continuous machinery-like murmur is characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a fetal blood vessel that should close after birth, remains open, allowing continuous blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. This murmur is often best heard in the left infraclavicular region.
Choice C rationale:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) typically produces a harsh holosystolic murmur heard best at the lower left sternal border. VSD is a hole in the septum separating the ventricles, allowing blood to flow from the higher-pressure left ventricle to the lower-pressure right ventricle.
Choice D rationale:
Coarctation of the aorta causes a murmur due to increased blood flow across the aortic valve. However, this murmur is not continuous and is usually systolic and best heard in the back over the left scapula.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A brilliant, uniform red reflex observed during a funduscopic examination is a normal finding. It indicates the absence of any abnormalities in the retina or lens. A normal red reflex is essential in ruling out serious conditions such as retinoblastoma, cataracts, or other eye abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
An abnormal red reflex, especially if it is not uniform and brilliant, could indicate underlying eye conditions and would require referral to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation. However, in this scenario, the description provided indicates a normal finding, making this choice incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
A uniform red reflex does not suggest a possible visual defect that requires vision screening. A normal red reflex indicates the absence of significant visual abnormalities, making this choice incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
Small hemorrhages in the eye would not present as a brilliant, uniform red reflex. Hemorrhages typically appear as dark spots or patches and would be an abnormal finding requiring further evaluation. This choice is incorrect in the context of the described scenario.
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