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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Inspect the client's face for edema:
Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can involve fluid retention. Edema, particularly in the face, is one of the signs that the nurse should assess for in determining if preeclampsia is a concern.
Ascertain the frequency of headaches:
Frequent headaches can be a symptom of various conditions, including preeclampsia. Gathering information about the frequency and characteristics of headaches can provide additional data for assessing the client's overall condition.
Evaluate for history of cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches, while severe, are not typically associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This information might not be directly relevant to the client's current symptoms.
Observe and time client's contractions:
Contractions are not typically associated with nausea, vomiting, or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This action may not address the primary concerns presented by the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dilate the pupil so the red reflex can be visualized:
This statement is not accurate regarding the purpose of the eye ointment. The eye ointment is not used to dilate the pupil but serves a different purpose.
B. Prevent herpes infection:
While eye ointment can help prevent certain eye infections, it's not specifically administered to prevent herpes infection.
C. Prevent eye infections:
This is the correct answer. The eye ointment typically contains an antibiotic and is applied to prevent infections, particularly those that could be transmitted during childbirth.
D. Clear the infant's vision:
The eye ointment is not used to clear the infant's vision. Its primary purpose is to prevent infections rather than affect vision.
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