The nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client whose blood pressure has increased from 110/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg Which nursing protocol has the highest priority?
Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output
Have calcium gluconate immediately available
Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting.
Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRS) every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output: This is a reasonable intervention because magnesium sulfate can affect renal function, and monitoring urinary output is essential. However, there's a more critical intervention to consider first.
B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available: This is the highest priority. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to neuromuscular blockade, and calcium gluconate is the antidote. Having it readily available is crucial in case signs of magnesium toxicity (such as loss of deep tendon reflexes) appear.
C. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting: While maintaining a calm environment is generally important for clients on magnesium sulfate, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
D. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours: This is an important part of monitoring for magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, the immediate availability of calcium gluconate is the highest priority in case toxicity occurs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sleep deprivation:
While sleep is important for overall well-being, it may not be the top priority in this case. Fluid volume excess, given the client's cardiac history, poses a more immediate threat to health.
B. Fluid volume excess:
Clients with heart damage are prone to heart failure, and managing fluid balance is crucial. Excess fluid can worsen cardiac function, making this the priority concern.
C. Nausea and vomiting:
While nausea and vomiting are significant concerns, they might not be as directly related to the client's cardiac history as fluid volume excess. However, if severe, it could contribute to fluid imbalance.
D. Risk for infection:
Infection is a concern for postpartum clients, but in this case, the client's history of rheumatic fever and heart damage takes precedence. The priority is to prevent complications related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes infection.
Cover the lesion with a dressing:While covering the lesion might be part of overall care, it does not address the primary concern of preventing transmission to the newborn during delivery.
Obtain blood cultures:
Obtaining blood cultures may not be the primary action in this situation. The concern is more related to preventing the transmission of the herpes virus to the newborn.
Administer penicillin:
Penicillin is not the treatment for herpes. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir are typically used for the treatment of herpes infections.
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