A nurse is caring for a client with eclampsia who is having a tonic-clonic seizure.
Which action should the nurse take first?
Administer oxygen via face mask
Turn the client to the side
Insert an oral airway
Give a loading dose of magnesium sulfate
The Correct Answer is B
Turn the client to the side. This is because turning the client to the side will prevent aspiration of secretions or vomitus and maintain a patent airway during a seizure.
This is the most important and immediate action to take for a client with eclampsia who is having a tonic-clonic seizure.
Choice A is wrong because administering oxygen via face mask is not the first priority and may not be feasible during a seizure. Oxygen therapy may be indicated after the seizure to improve oxygenation and fetal well-being.
Choice C is wrong because inserting an oral airway is contraindicated during a seizure as it may cause injury to the oral mucosa or trigger a gag reflex. An oral airway may be used after the seizure if the client is unconscious and has a compromised airway.
Choice D is wrong because giving a loading dose of magnesium sulfate is not the first action to take, although it is an important intervention to prevent further seizures and lower blood pressure in eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate should be administered intravenously after securing the airway and ensuring adequate ventilation.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Level of consciousness.
This is because magnesium sulfate, which is given to prevent seizures in severe preeclampsia, can cause respiratory depression and coma if the dose is too high.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s level of consciousness and respiratory rate closely and report any signs of toxicity to the provider.
Choice A is wrong because hourly intake and output is not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should monitor the urinary output as a sign of renal function and fluid balance and report any output less than 30 ml per hour.
Choice B is wrong because deep tendon reflexes are not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should check the reflexes as a sign of neuromuscular irritability and report any hyperreflexia or clonus.
Choice C is wrong because lung sounds are not the most important assessment for this client.However, the nurse should auscultate the lungs as a sign of pulmonary edema and report any crackles or wheezes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“You may feel warm and flushed while receiving this medication.” This is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy, which is used to prevent seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia.Magnesium sulfate can also help prolong a pregnancy for up to two days by relaxing the uterus.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause fluid retention and swelling, not dehydration.Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause drowsiness and lethargy, not insomnia and restlessness.Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause decreased blood pressure and heart rate, not inflammation and infection at the infusion site.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg, for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, and for protein in urine are less than 300 milligrams per day.
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