A nurse and a newly licensed nurse are discussing effective communication techniques for a client who has expressive aphasia. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicate understanding of the teaching?

A. Decreased respirations: Moderate dehydration typically does not cause respiratory depression. Respiratory changes are more commonly associated with severe acid-base imbalances or advanced dehydration.

B. Polyuria: Dehydration leads to decreased fluid volume, which generally results in oliguria (reduced urine output) rather than polyuria. Increased urination is not an expected finding in moderate dehydration.

C. Bradycardia: Dehydration usually causes a compensatory increase in heart rate (tachycardia) to maintain cardiac output. Bradycardia is not typical unless there is a severe or underlying cardiac issue.

D. Orthostatic hypotension: Loss of fluid volume from diarrhea and vomiting can decrease circulating blood volume, leading to a drop in blood pressure upon standing. This is an expected cardiovascular manifestation of moderate dehydration in school-age children.

A. Administer calcium gluconate: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, but it should be given after stopping the infusion and assessing the client’s respiratory status. Immediate discontinuation takes priority.

B. Discontinue the infusion: Difficulty breathing indicates a potential magnesium sulfate toxicity or respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening emergency. The first action is to stop the infusion to prevent further accumulation.

C. Assess the fetal heart rate: Monitoring the fetus is important, but maternal safety takes priority over fetal assessment in a potential toxic reaction. Stabilizing the mother comes first.

D. Obtain the client's magnesium level: Lab assessment is useful for confirming toxicity, but it should not delay immediate intervention. Stopping the infusion takes precedence over obtaining levels.