A charge nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about fluid and electrolyte balance. Which of the following manifestations should the newly licensed nurse identify as a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Bradypnea
Tremors
Insomnia
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is A
A. Bradypnea: Magnesium sulfate toxicity depresses the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression such as bradypnea. This is a critical sign requiring immediate intervention, as respiratory rates below 12 breaths per minute can be life-threatening.
B. Tremors: Tremors are typically associated with hypomagnesemia or withdrawal states, not magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity causes muscle weakness and diminished reflexes rather than increased neuromuscular activity.
C. Insomnia: Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of magnesium toxicity. In contrast, elevated magnesium levels tend to cause sedation, lethargy, and decreased mental alertness.
D. Hypertension: Magnesium sulfate can actually lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects. Hypertension would be inconsistent with toxicity and more commonly seen in preeclampsia before magnesium is administered.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client who consumes all the food from their meal tray: Eating a full meal is generally positive and does not require immediate reporting unless related to specific dietary restrictions or concerns.
B. A client who requests assistance to use the bedside commode: Requesting help to use the commode is expected and can be managed by the assistive personnel without urgent nurse notification.
C. A client who has a prescription for compression stockings and did not receive them: Compression stockings prevent deep vein thrombosis and promote circulation. Not receiving them as prescribed is a safety concern that requires prompt nurse awareness and intervention.
D. A client who requests to sit in the bedside chair while watching TV: This is a normal, non-urgent request that the assistive personnel can usually handle without needing to notify the nurse immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Institutional policies and procedures: While institutional policies provide guidance on how tasks are performed within a facility, they cannot legally expand or limit a nurse’s scope of practice. Nurses must always ensure tasks are permitted by state law first.
B. Verbal direction from the nurse manager: Managers may offer direction, but their guidance should not override legal regulations. Relying solely on verbal instructions risks performing tasks outside the legal scope of practice, which can lead to liability issues.
C. State Nurse Practice Act: The Nurse Practice Act is a legal document specific to each state that defines the scope of practice for nurses. It outlines what tasks are legally permissible and serves as the most authoritative reference for professional responsibilities.
D. Written prescription from the provider: Although a provider can order treatments or procedures, nurses are still responsible for ensuring those actions fall within their legal scope. Following a prescription without verifying legality may result in practicing beyond licensure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.