A nurse is assessing the fetal heart rate and uterine activity of a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Choice A rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant. In HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia, its primary therapeutic purpose is to provide seizure prophylaxis by decreasing neuromuscular irritability and excitability.

Choice B rationale: While magnesium sulfate may cause slight vasodilation, it is not an antihypertensive agent. Elevated blood pressure in HELLP syndrome is managed with specific medications like hydralazine, labetalol, or nifedipine.

Choice C rationale: Magnesium sulfate does not function as a diuretic. In fact, adequate urine output is a critical assessment for magnesium toxicity, as the medication is primarily excreted by the kidneys.

Choice D rationale: Magnesium sulfate has no direct effect on bone marrow or platelet production. HELLP syndrome is characterized by low platelets; improvement usually only occurs following delivery or resolving the underlying condition.

A. To prevent seizures.

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that can reduce seizure risks in women with severe preeclampsia.It is often given intravenously and can also be used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days.Magnesium sulfate is also used to prevent and manage seizures in women with postpartum preeclampsia.

• Statement B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not lower blood pressure.It may be given along with medications that help reduce blood pressure.

• Statement C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not induce labor.It may be given to delay delivery for up to 48 hours to allow time for the administration of drugs that speed up the baby’s lung development.

• Statement D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not reduce edema.Edema is a common symptom of preeclampsia, but it is not a direct cause of complications.