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","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, C and D.These interventions can help prevent or delay the development of preeclampsia by reducing blood pressure, monitoring fetal well-being and assessing for signs of worsening condition.
Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids are not used to prevent preeclampsia, but to enhance fetal lung maturity in case of preterm delivery.
Choice E is wrong because a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is not recommended for gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.A balanced diet with adequate calcium, magnesium and antioxidants is advised.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. All of the above.All of these factors increase a woman’s risk for developing gestational hypertension.
Choice A is wrong because nulliparity (having no previous pregnancies) is a risk factor for gestational hypertension.Rates in nulliparous women range from 6% to 17% while rates in multiparous women range from 2% to 4%.
Choice B is wrong because age younger than 20 years is a risk factor for gestational hypertension.Pregnant women more than 40 years or less than 18 years are at risk of gestational hypertension.
Choice C is wrong because history of chronic renal disease is a risk factor for gestational hypertension.High blood pressure can also cause problems during and after delivery, such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, and placental abruption.
Gestational hypertension is blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 that begins during the latter half of pregnancy (typically after 20 weeks) and goes away after childbirth.It can put the mother and her baby at risk for problems during the pregnancy, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight.
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