A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-term labor.

Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication?

Nitrazine paper test.

This test involves putting a drop of fluid obtained from the vagina onto paper strips containing nitrazine dye.

The strips change color depending on the pH of the fluid.The strips will turn blue if the pH is greater than 6.0, which indicates the presence of amniotic fluid.This test can help confirm rupture of membranes (ROM) in pregnancy, especially when preterm labor is suspected.

Choice B. Ferning test.This test involves examining a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope and looking for a fern-like pattern that is formed by dried amniotic fluid crystals.This test can also help confirm ROM, but it is less reliable than the nitrazine test because other substances such as cervical mucus, semen, or blood can also cause ferning.

Choice C. Amniotic fluid index.This test involves measuring the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus using ultrasound.This test can help assess the fetal well-being and detect conditions such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid).This test cannot confirm ROM by itself, but it can be used in combination with other tests to evaluate the status of the pregnancy.

Choice D. Biophysical profile.This test involves using ultrasound and a fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate, breathing, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume.

Encouraging the parents to touch and talk to the infant through the incubator ports can promote bonding between the infant and the parents.Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between parents and their baby, and it is essential for the baby’s social and cognitive development.Touch and communication are some of the ways that babies bond with their parents.

Choice B is wrong because limiting the parents’ visitation time can disrupt the bonding process and make the parents feel less involved in their baby’s care.

Choice C is wrong because eye contact is another way of bonding with babies, and it can help them feel secure and loved.

Choice D is wrong because holding and feeding the infant are also important ways of bonding, and they should not be restricted unless medically necessary.