A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia.

Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

Respiratory rate and depth

Urine output and color

Blood pressure and heart rate

Level of consciousness and reflexes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D) Level of consciousness and reflexes. This is because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity and affect the central nervous system, leading to decreased level of consciousness and loss of reflexes. These are signs that the dose of magnesium sulfate should be reduced or stopped.

The nurse should prioritize assessing these parameters to prevent seizures and avoid magnesium toxicity.

Choice A) Respiratory rate and depth is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause respiratory depression, but this is a less common and less sensitive indicator of toxicity than level of consciousness and reflexes.

Choice B) Urine output and color is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause renal impairment, but this is not directly related to preventing seizures. However, urine output should be monitored to ensure adequate hydration and renal function.

Choice C) Blood pressure and heart rate is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause hypotension and bradycardia, but these are not the primary goals of therapy. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored to assess the severity of preeclampsia and the response to antihypertensive medications.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate continuously.This is because hydralazine is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and may cause tachycardia.Tachycardia can affect the fetal heart rate and oxygenation, so continuous monitoring is essential to detect any signs of fetal distress.

Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not cause orthostatic hypotension, but rather a reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output.

Orthostatic hypotension is more likely to occur with other antihypertensive drugs such as alpha-blockers or diuretics.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging oral fluid intake may worsen the fluid retention and edema that are common in preeclampsia.Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.

Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a priority intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the woman develops signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or low oxygen saturation.However, oxygen therapy should be used with caution as it may increase oxidative stress and placental vasoconstriction.

A. Check blood pressure before and after giving the medication B. Give the medication with grapefruit juice to enhance absorption C. Hold the medication if pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute D. Monitor blood glucose levels for signs of hypoglycemia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Check blood pressure before and after giving the medication.Nifedipine is an antihypertensive medication that is used to treat gestational hypertension.It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.Checking blood pressure before and after giving the medication helps to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

Choice B is wrong because grapefruit juice can interact with nifedipine and increase its blood levels, which can cause excessive lowering of blood pressure or other side effects.Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking nifedipine.

Choice C is wrong because nifedipine does not affect the pulse rate significantly.Holding the medication if pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute is more appropriate for beta-blockers, such as labetalol, which are another class of antihypertensive medications that can slow down the heart rate.

Choice D is wrong because nifedipine does not cause hypoglycemia.Monitoring blood glucose levels for signs of hypoglycemia is more relevant for medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.

Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse rate during pregnancy are 110-140/60-90 mmHg and 60-100 beats per minute, respectively.Normal range for blood glucose level during pregnancy is 70-110 mg/dL.

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A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What is a priority nursing intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider. Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has HELLP syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following factors increases a woman’s risk for developing gestational hypertension.

Which of the following findings would indicate that a client with preeclampsia is experiencing HELLP syndrome?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed methyldopa (Aldomet) to control blood pressure during pregnancy. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who is at risk for developing preeclampsia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent this complication? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is preparing to administer an IV loading dose of magnesium sulfate to a client who has preeclampsia with severe features. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia.

Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?