A nurse is caring for a client with eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.

Which of the following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?

To accelerate fetal lung maturity.Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia who are at risk of preterm delivery to help the development of the fetus’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.

This can improve the survival and health outcomes of the newborn.

Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in pre-eclampsia.They are used for other inflammatory conditions such as asthma or arthritis.

Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent infection in pre-eclampsia.They can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not increase platelet count in pre-eclampsia.They can actually decrease the platelet count by causing thrombocytopenia.

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.