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?

The correct answer is choice C) Elevated serum bilirubin levels.This is because bilirubin is a product of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome.Elevated serum bilirubin levels indicate that there is excessive hemolysis occurring in the body, which can lead to jaundice and liver damage.

Choice A) Elevated serum creatinine levels is wrong because creatinine is a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.While kidney failure can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome, it is not a diagnostic criterion.

Choice B) Elevated serum uric acid levels is wrong because uric acid is also a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.Uric acid levels can be elevated in preeclampsia, but not specifically in HELLP syndrome.

Choice D) Elevated serum glucose levels is wrong because glucose is not related to liver function or hemolysis.Glucose levels can be elevated in gestational diabetes, but not in HELLP syndrome.

Normal ranges for these tests are:

• Serum bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL

• Serum creatinine: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL

• Serum uric acid: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL

• Serum glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL

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.