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 A
Choice A rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant. In HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia, its primary therapeutic purpose is to provide seizure prophylaxis by decreasing neuromuscular irritability and excitability.
Choice B rationale: While magnesium sulfate may cause slight vasodilation, it is not an antihypertensive agent. Elevated blood pressure in HELLP syndrome is managed with specific medications like hydralazine, labetalol, or nifedipine.
Choice C rationale: Magnesium sulfate does not function as a diuretic. In fact, adequate urine output is a critical assessment for magnesium toxicity, as the medication is primarily excreted by the kidneys.
Choice D rationale: Magnesium sulfate has no direct effect on bone marrow or platelet production. HELLP syndrome is characterized by low platelets; improvement usually only occurs following delivery or resolving the underlying condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant. In HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia, its primary therapeutic purpose is to provide seizure prophylaxis by decreasing neuromuscular irritability and excitability.
Choice B rationale: While magnesium sulfate may cause slight vasodilation, it is not an antihypertensive agent. Elevated blood pressure in HELLP syndrome is managed with specific medications like hydralazine, labetalol, or nifedipine.
Choice C rationale: Magnesium sulfate does not function as a diuretic. In fact, adequate urine output is a critical assessment for magnesium toxicity, as the medication is primarily excreted by the kidneys.
Choice D rationale: Magnesium sulfate has no direct effect on bone marrow or platelet production. HELLP syndrome is characterized by low platelets; improvement usually only occurs following delivery or resolving the underlying condition.
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