A nurse is caring for a client with HELLP syndrome who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.
What is the main purpose of this medication?
To prevent seizures
To lower blood pressure
To increase urine output
To improve platelet count
The Correct Answer is C
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 because monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine activity continuously is not a priority intervention for a client with eclampsia. The priority is to prevent seizures and control blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because administering oxytocin to augment labor is 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 because encouraging oral fluids and a high-protein diet is 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 because assessing for signs of placental abruption is 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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
According to Mayo Clinic, loss of reflexes is a sign of magnesium toxicity and requires immediate intervention.
Other signs of magnesium toxicity include:
• Decreased urine output
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Weakness
Choice B is wrong because headache is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
Choice C is wrong because nausea is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a side effect of magnesium sulfate or a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
Choice D is wrong because blurred vision is not a sign of magnesium toxicity.
It may be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions, but it does not indicate an overdose of magnesium sulfate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“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
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