(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.)
Serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL
Serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL
Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a manifestation of severe preeclampsia that indicates liver involvement and can precede a seizure.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for possible delivery of the baby.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg is a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 110 mm Hg or higher.
Choice B is wrong because urine protein of 2+ is also a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the urine protein is 3+ or higher.
Choice D is wrong because facial edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy and does not indicate severe preeclampsia.Other signs of severe preeclampsia include headache, blurred vision, oliguria, thrombocytopenia, and pulmonary edema.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Administer calcium gluconate as an antidote if toxicity occurs.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with severe preeclampsia.However, it can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest.Calcium gluconate is an antidote that can reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate and restore normal neuromuscular function.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect blood glucose levels.
There is no need to monitor the client’s blood glucose level every 4 hours.
Choice C is wrong because the infusion should be discontinued if the client’s respiratory rate is below 12/min, not 16/min.
A low respiratory rate indicates respiratory depression, which is a sign of magnesium toxicity.
Choice D is wrong because the infusion rate should not be increased if the client’s urine output is above 30 mL/hr.Urine output should be at least 30 mL/hr while administering magnesium sulfate to prevent accumulation of the drug in the body.
Increasing the infusion rate can increase the risk of toxicity.
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