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

Methyldopa is a drug that lowers blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

One of the possible side effects of methyldopa is hypotension, which means abnormally low blood pressure.Hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice A) Bradycardia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the heart rate directly.Bradycardia means a slow heart rate, which can be caused by other drugs or conditions.

Choice C) Hyperkalemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the potassium levels in the blood.Hyperkalemia means high potassium levels, which can be caused by kidney problems or other drugs.

Choice D) Hyperglycemia is wrong because methyldopa does not affect the glucose levels in the blood.Hyperglycemia means high glucose levels, which can be caused by diabetes or other conditions.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute, for potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L, and for glucose are 70 to 100 mg/dL.

A. Elevated serum creatinine levels B. Elevated serum uric acid levels C. Elevated serum bilirubin levels D. Elevated serum glucose levels

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C) Elevated serum bilirubin levels.This is because bilirubin is a product of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome.Elevated serum bilirubin levels indicate that there is excessive hemolysis occurring in the body, which can lead to jaundice and liver damage.

Choice A) Elevated serum creatinine levels is wrong because creatinine is a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.While kidney failure can occur as a complication of HELLP syndrome, it is not a diagnostic criterion.

Choice B) Elevated serum uric acid levels is wrong because uric acid is also a marker of kidney function, not liver function or hemolysis.Uric acid levels can be elevated in preeclampsia, but not specifically in HELLP syndrome.

Choice D) Elevated serum glucose levels is wrong because glucose is not related to liver function or hemolysis.Glucose levels can be elevated in gestational diabetes, but not in HELLP syndrome.

Normal ranges for these tests are:

• Serum bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL

• Serum creatinine: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL

• Serum uric acid: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL

• Serum glucose: 70 to 100 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

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

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?

Which of the following factors increases a woman’s risk for developing 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 evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client with severe preeclampsia who is in labor. Which of the following findings would indicate that the therapy is effective?

(Select all that apply). A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational hypertension who delivered a healthy baby two days ago. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed labetalol (Normodyne) to control blood pressure during pregnancy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?

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?