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

Which of the following findings indicates magnesium toxicity?

Maintain a dark and quiet environment.This intervention helps to reduce sensory stimulation and prevent seizures in a client with eclampsia.

Choice A is wrong becausemonitoring fetal heart rate and uterine activity continuouslyis not a priority intervention for a client with eclampsia.The priority is to prevent seizures and control blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong becauseadministering oxytocin to augment laboris contraindicated in a client with eclampsia.Oxytocin can increase blood pressure and cause uterine hyperstimulation, which can worsen the condition and endanger the mother and the fetus.

Choice D is wrong becauseencouraging oral fluids and a high-protein dietis not appropriate for a client with eclampsia.

The client should be kept NPO to prevent aspiration in case of a seizure.A high-protein diet can increase the risk of renal failure and hepatic dysfunction.

Choice E is wrong becauseassessing for signs of placental abruptionis not a specific intervention for a client with eclampsia.Placental abruption can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is not the main focus of care.

“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.” Corticosteroid therapy is given to pregnant clients with eclampsia to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

• Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not lower blood pressure.Antihypertensive drugs such as hydralazine or labetalol are used to treat hypertension in eclampsia.

• Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in eclampsia.

• Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in the body.They may have anti-inflammatory effects in some conditions, but their main purpose in eclampsia is to enhance fetal lung development.

Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:

• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg

• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 1+ on dipstick