A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis.

The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?

Serum magnesium level

Serum potassium level

Serum sodium level

Serum calcium level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A) Serum magnesium level. Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia. It is often given intravenously and can also be used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days. However, magnesium sulfate can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum magnesium level to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL.

Choice B) Serum potassium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the potassium level significantly.

Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.

The normal range of potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice C) Serum sodium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the sodium level significantly.

Sodium is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.

The normal range of sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the calcium level significantly.

Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.

The normal range of calcium level is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Check blood pressure before and after giving the medication.Nifedipine is an antihypertensive medication that is used to treat gestational hypertension.It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.Checking blood pressure before and after giving the medication helps to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

Choice B is wrong because grapefruit juice can interact with nifedipine and increase its blood levels, which can cause excessive lowering of blood pressure or other side effects.Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking nifedipine.

Choice C is wrong because nifedipine does not affect the pulse rate significantly.Holding the medication if pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute is more appropriate for beta-blockers, such as labetalol, which are another class of antihypertensive medications that can slow down the heart rate.

Choice D is wrong because nifedipine does not cause hypoglycemia.Monitoring blood glucose levels for signs of hypoglycemia is more relevant for medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.

Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse rate during pregnancy are 110-140/60-90 mmHg and 60-100 beats per minute, respectively.Normal range for blood glucose level during pregnancy is 70-110 mg/dL.

A. Bradycardia B. Hypotension C. Hyperkalemia D. Hyperglycemia

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Methyldopa is a drug that lowers blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

One of the possible side effects of methyldopa is hypotension, which means abnormally low blood pressure.Hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice A) Bradycardia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the heart rate directly.Bradycardia means a slow heart rate, which can be caused by other drugs or conditions.

Choice C) Hyperkalemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the potassium levels in the blood.Hyperkalemia means high potassium levels, which can be caused by kidney problems or other drugs.

Choice D) Hyperglycemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the glucose levels in the blood.Hyperglycemia means high glucose levels, which can be caused by diabetes or other conditions.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute, for potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L, and for glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL.

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A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis. The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider. Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed methyldopa (Aldomet) to control blood pressure during pregnancy. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of gestational hypertension?

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving hydralazine IV bolus for blood pressure management. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client with severe preeclampsia who is in labor. Which of the following findings would indicate that the therapy is effective?

Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the risk factors for gestational hypertension with a group of pregnant clients at a prenatal clinic. Which of the following factors should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension?

What is a priority nursing intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.

Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension?

A client is diagnosed with preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for seizure prophylaxis.

The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values?