The hormone responsible for maturation of mammary gland tissue is:

Choice A reason: Magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes and increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause hyporeflexia and respiratory depression as adverse effects. These are signs of magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus and lessen lochial flow. A boggy uterus is a sign of uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth. Magnesium sulfate has no effect on these conditions.

Choice C reason: Magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting contractions. Magnesium sulfate is not used to induce or augment labor.

Choice D reason: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat convulsions in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Convulsions are a life-threatening complication of severe hypertension during pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant. It reduces the risk of seizures and lowers blood pressure.

Choice A reason: Variability refers to the fluctuations in the FHR that are irregular in amplitude and frequency. It reflects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the fetus. A normal variability is between 6 and 10 beats/min, which indicates a healthy and well-oxygenated fetus.

Choice B reason: Late decelerations are decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of a contraction and return to the baseline after the contraction ends. They are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Mild late decelerations are not reassuring and may indicate fetal hypoxia or acidosis².

Choice C reason: FHR should change as a result of fetal activity, such as movement, sleep, or stimulation. A change in the FHR indicates a responsive and well-oxygenated fetus. A lack of change in the FHR may indicate fetal distress or compromise.

Choice D reason: The average baseline rate is the mean FHR rounded to increments of 5 beats/min during a 10-minute window, excluding periods of marked variability, accelerations, or decelerations. A normal baseline rate is between 110 and 160 beats/min. A baseline rate between 100 and 140 beats/min is not necessarily abnormal, but it may indicate fetal bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate), depending on the gestational age and other factors.