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(select all that apply) A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate.

Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)

A.

Serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL

B.

Serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL

C.

Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL

D.

Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L

E.

Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B

The correct answer is A and B. A. Serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL

This statement is correct because a serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L) is within the therapeutic range for eclampsia treatment, which is 3.5 to 7 mEq/L (4.2 to 8.4 mg/dL) according to some sources, or 1.5 to 3.5 mmol/L according to others. A serum magnesium level above 8 mEq/L (10 mmol/L) can cause areflexia, respiratory paralysis, and cardiac arrest.

B. Serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL

This statement is correct because a serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) is below the normal range of 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.12 to 2.55 mmol/L), which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy, as magnesium competes with calcium for binding sites on plasma proteins and cell membranes, and also inhibits the release of parathyroid hormone.

C. Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL

This statement is wrong because a serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL (106 umol/L) is within the normal range of 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL (53 to 115 umol/L) for women. Serum creatinine level reflects kidney function, and renal impairment can affect the clearance of magnesium sulfate and increase the risk of toxicity.

D. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L

This statement is wrong because a serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L) is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L) for adults. Serum potassium level reflects electrolyte balance, and hypokalemia or hyperkalemia can affect cardiac function and muscle contraction.

E. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L

This statement is wrong because a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L) is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L) for adults. Serum sodium level reflects fluid balance, and hyponatremia or hypernatremia can affect brain function and blood pressure.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client should have a follow-up visit with the provider in a week.This is because preeclampsia can persist or develop after delivery and requires close monitoring of blood pressure and signs of organ injury.

Choice A is wrong because vaginal bleeding is normal after delivery and does not indicate a complication of preeclampsia.

Choice B is wrong because the client should not stop taking blood pressure medication without consulting the provider.Preeclampsia can cause hypertension that may need treatment even after delivery.

Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding is not contraindicated for women with preeclampsia.Breastfeeding may even lower blood pressure and help the uterus contract.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Headache that does not respond to analgesics.This is a possible sign of postpartum pre-eclampsia, a rare condition that occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine soon after childbirth.Postpartum pre-eclampsia can cause seizures and other serious complications if not treated.

Choice B is wrong because breast engorgement and tenderness are normal symptoms of breastfeeding and do not indicate postpartum pre-eclampsia.

Choice C is wrong because lochia rubra with small clots is a normal discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus after delivery and does not indicate postpartum pre-eclampsia.

Choice D is wrong because perineal pain and swelling are common after vaginal delivery and do not indicate postpartum pre-eclampsia.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 120/80 mm Hg and for protein in urine are below 150 mg/day.

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