A client is diagnosed with gestational hypertension and is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding would the nurse interpret as indicating a therapeutic level of medication?
Difficulty in arousing
Deep tendon reflexes 2+
Urinary output of 30 mL per hour
Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because difficulty in arousing is a sign of magnesium toxicity, which is a serious complication of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium toxicity can cause central nervous system depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the client's level of consciousness and stop the infusion if the client becomes lethargic or unresponsive.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because deep tendon reflexes 2+ indicate a normal and expected response to magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium sulfate is a muscle relaxant that can reduce the risk of seizures in gestational hypertension. The nurse should assess the client's deep tendon reflexes regularly and maintain them at 2+ or slightly diminished.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because urinary output of 30 mL per hour is below the normal range of 40 to 80 mL per hour and may indicate renal impairment or dehydration. Magnesium sulfate can cause renal toxicity or fluid retention, which can affect the urinary output. The nurse should monitor the client's urinary output and fluid balance and report any abnormalities to the doctor.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute is below the normal range of 12 to 20 breaths/minute and may indicate respiratory depression. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression or failure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation and administer oxygen or antidote if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: 28 weeks' gestation is too early to screen for group B streptococcus infection. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns if transmitted from the mother during labor and delivery. The optimal time to screen for GBS is between 35 and 37 weeks' gestation.
Choice B: 32 weeks' gestation is also too early to screen for GBS infection. Screening at this time may not reflect the true colonization status of the mother at the time of delivery, as GBS can be transient or intermittent.
Choice C: 16 weeks' gestation is much too early to screen for GBS infection. Screening at this time has no clinical value, as GBS colonization can change throughout pregnancy.
Choice D: 36 weeks' gestation is the appropriate time to screen for GBS infection. Screening at this time can identify mothers who are colonized with GBS and who need intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because mosquitoes do not transmit HIV. HIV is a virus that infects human cells and cannot survive in insects. Mosquitoes do not inject blood from one person to another when they bite, but only saliva that contains anticoagulants and enzymes.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because accidental puncture wounds are not a common mode of HIV transmission. HIV can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as through needle sharing, blood transfusion, or occupational injury. However, these cases are rare and can be prevented by using sterile equipment, screening blood products, and following universal precautions.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because sexual contact is the most common mode of HIV transmission. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, as these activities can involve contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or pre-ejaculate.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory droplets do not transmit HIV. HIV is not an airborne virus and cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.
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