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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.However, it can also cause toxicity and respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be readily available at the bedside.

Choice A is wrong because the medication should be administered over 20-30 minutes using an infusion pump.

A shorter infusion time may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Choice B is wrong because the client should be placed in a lateral position to improve uteroplacental perfusion and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s blood pressure should be monitored every 5 minutes during the infusion, not every 15 minutes.

Blood pressure is an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia and the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.

A. The client’s blood pressure is within normal range B. The client’s urine output is at least 30 mL/hr C. The client’s deep tendon reflexes are 2+ D. The client’s respiratory rate is above 16 breaths/min

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. The client’s urine output is at least 30 mL/hr.This indicates that the therapy is effective because magnesium sulfate can cause renal impairment and fluid retention, which can worsen the condition of preeclampsia.

A normal urine output is a sign that the kidneys are functioning well and that the fluid balance is maintained.

Choice A is wrong because the client’s blood pressure may not normalize even with magnesium sulfate therapy.

Magnesium sulfate is mainly used to prevent seizures, not to lower blood pressure.Other antihypertensive medications may be needed to control blood pressure in severe preeclampsia.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s deep tendon reflexes are expected to decrease with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it is a central nervous system depressant.

A normal reflex response is 2+, but a lower response (1+ or 0) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s respiratory rate should be monitored closely with magnesium sulfate therapy, as it can also cause respiratory depression.

A normal respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but a lower rate (less than 12) may indicate magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate treatment with calcium gluconate.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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?

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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?