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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Cerebral hemorrhage.Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures and can lead to stroke or death.Cerebral hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain that can result from high blood pressure and swelling in the brain caused by eclampsia.It is one of the most common causes of death in women with eclampsia.

Choice B. Pulmonary edema is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.

Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs that can impair breathing and oxygen exchange.It can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is less frequent than cerebral hemorrhage.

Choice C. Liver rupture is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.

Liver rupture is a rare but serious complication of eclampsia that involves bleeding from the liver due to increased pressure and damage to the liver tissue.It can cause severe abdominal pain, shock and death.

Choice D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is wrong because it is not the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.

DIC is a condition where the blood clotting system becomes overactive and forms clots throughout the body, leading to bleeding and organ failure.It can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is less common than cerebral hemorrhage.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mmHg and for proteinuria are below 300 mg/24 hours or below 30 mg/dL in a urine sample.

A. Administer the medication over 30 min using an infusion pump B. Place the client in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 15 min during the infusion D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.However, it can also cause toxicity and respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be readily available at the bedside.

Choice A is wrong because the medication should be administered over 20-30 minutes using an infusion pump.

A shorter infusion time may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Choice B is wrong because the client should be placed in a lateral position to improve uteroplacental perfusion and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s blood pressure should be monitored every 5 minutes during the infusion, not every 15 minutes.

Blood pressure is an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia and the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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 the most common cause of death in women with eclampsia.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the risk factors for gestational hypertension with a group of pregnant clients at a prenatal clinic. Which of the following factors should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

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?

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

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?

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving hydralazine IV bolus for blood pressure management. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? (Select all that apply.)

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

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.)

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

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?