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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is correct because this description accurately reflects one of the main functions of amniotic fluid, which is to act as a shock absorber and buffer against external forces or movements that could harm the fetus. Amniotic fluid also allows the fetus to move freely and develop its muscles and bones.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. The amount of amniotic fluid changes throughout the pregnancy, depending on the stage of fetal development and other factors. The normal range of amniotic fluid volume is between 500 and 1000 mL at term. Too much or too little amniotic fluid can indicate a problem with the fetus or the placenta.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. The fluid is not mostly protein, but mostly water (about 98%). The water comes from the mother's blood plasma and the fetal urine. The remaining 2% of amniotic fluid consists of various substances, such as electrolytes, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and fetal cells. Amniotic fluid does not provide nourishment to the fetus, but rather protects it from infection and helps regulate its temperature.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because this description is false. Amniotic fluid does not act as a transport mechanism for oxygen and nutrients, but rather as a barrier that prevents them from reaching the fetus directly. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the fetus through the placenta and the umbilical cord, which are connected to the maternal blood circulation.

A. Ferrous sulfate B. Potassium chloride C. Calcium carbonate D. Calcium gluconate

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which is a medication that lowers blood pressure and prevents seizures in severe preeclampsia.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because potassium chloride is an electrolyte supplement that is used to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which can cause hypermagnesemia, or high levels of magnesium in the blood.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because calcium carbonate is an antacid that is used to treat or prevent heartburn, indigestion, or calcium deficiency. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which can cause hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because calcium gluconate is an antidote that is used to treat magnesium toxicity, which can occur when magnesium sulfate is given in high doses or for prolonged periods. Calcium gluconate reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, such as muscle weakness, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest.

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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?

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Correct Answer is A

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Correct Answer is D

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