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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer ischoice A, B, D and E.These are all signs and symptoms that may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension.Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that is marked by high blood pressure and presence of proteins in urine.
Choice C is wrong because chest pain or shortness of breath are not typical symptoms of preeclampsia, but they may indicate other serious conditions such as heart problems or pulmonary edema.
If a client with gestational hypertension experiences these symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg.
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection or less than 30 mg/dL in a random urine sample.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate continuously.This is because hydralazine is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and may cause tachycardia.Tachycardia can affect the fetal heart rate and oxygenation, so continuous monitoring is essential to detect any signs of fetal distress.
Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not cause orthostatic hypotension, but rather a reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output.
Orthostatic hypotension is more likely to occur with other antihypertensive drugs such as alpha-blockers or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging oral fluid intake may worsen the fluid retention and edema that are common in preeclampsia.Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a priority intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the woman develops signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or low oxygen saturation.However, oxygen therapy should be used with caution as it may increase oxidative stress and placental vasoconstriction.
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