A client who is 36 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia.

She has a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes.

The nurse anticipates that the client will receive which of the following medications to prevent seizures?

Hydralazine

Nifedipine

Magnesium sulfate

Diazepam

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice to prevent and treat seizures in people with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. It is an anticonvulsant medication that reduces the risk of eclampsia by 50%.

Choice A is wrong because hydralazine is a blood pressure medication that can lower blood pressure in people with preeclampsia or eclampsia, but it does not prevent seizures.

Choice B is wrong because nifedipine is another blood pressure medication that can lower blood pressure in people with preeclampsia or eclampsia, but it does not prevent seizures.

Choice D is wrong because diazepam is an anticonvulsant medication that was previously used to treat eclamptic seizures, but it has been replaced by magnesium sulfate as the preferred drug due to its better safety and efficacy. Diazepam can also cause sedation and respiratory depression in the mother and the fetus.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg, for proteinuria are below 300 mg/24 hours, for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter, for liver enzymes are 7 to 56 units per liter for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 10 to 40 units per liter for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and for magnesium levels are 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Urinary output of 25 mL/hour.This indicates magnesium toxicity and requires immediate intervention because it means the kidneys are not functioning properly and magnesium is not being excreted.Magnesium toxicity can cause life-threatening complications such as respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.

B. Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute is normal and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.A respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths/minute or more than 20 breaths/minute would be abnormal and require further assessment.

C. Deep tendon reflexes 1+ are normal and do not indicate magnesium toxicity.A loss of deep tendon reflexes or clonus would indicate magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.

D. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is within the therapeutic range for preeclampsia and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.

The therapeutic range for preeclampsia is 4 to 7 mg/dL.A serum magnesium level of more than 8 mg/dL would indicate magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention.

Magnesium Sulfate Toxicity

A. It reduces cerebral edema and prevents seizures B. It increases uteroplacental perfusion and fetal oxygenation C. It decreases proteinuria and prevents renal damage D. It relaxes smooth muscle and lowers blood pressure

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is the rationale for using this medication in a client with pre-eclampsia who has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg.High blood pressure in pre-eclampsia can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, brain, and other organs, and can also increase the risk of complications for the baby.

Therefore, lowering blood pressure with hydralazine can help prevent or reduce these adverse outcomes.

Antihypertensive Drugs Dr Sasan Zaeri Pharm D Ph

Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not reduce cerebral edema or prevent seizures.These are symptoms of eclampsia, a more severe form of pre-eclampsia that requires different treatment.

Choice B is wrong because hydralazine does not increase uteroplacental perfusion or fetal oxygenation.These are affected by other factors such as the placental function, maternal position, and fetal well-being.

Choice C is wrong because hydralazine does not decrease proteinuria or prevent renal damage.

Proteinuria is a sign of kidney impairment that occurs in pre-eclampsia, but it is not directly affected by hydralazine.Renal damage can be prevented by controlling blood pressure and avoiding nephrotoxic drugs.

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A client who is 36 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia. She has a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. The nurse anticipates that the client will receive which of the following medications to prevent seizures?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which of the following findings would indicate magnesium toxicity and require immediate intervention?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer hydralazine to a client with pre-eclampsia who has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg. What is the rationale for using this medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who is 36 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia. She has a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. The nurse anticipates that the client will receive which of the following medications to prevent seizures?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who had pre-eclampsia and delivered a healthy baby. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is educating a client with mild pre-eclampsia about the signs and symptoms that she should report to her health care provider. Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has mild preeclampsia. Which of the following findings would indicate a need for further evaluation?

(Select all that apply) A nurse is assessing a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and has a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

A nurse is caring for a client with mild pre-eclampsia who has a blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg, proteinuria of 400 mg/24 hours, and edema of the face and hands. Which intervention is the priority for this client?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding would indicate a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with severe pre-eclampsia. Which of the following results would indicate hepatic involvement? (Select all that apply.)

A client who is 36 weeks pregnant is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia.

She has a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes.

The nurse anticipates that the client will receive which of the following medications to prevent seizures?