A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion to treat preeclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
Positive clonus
Urinary output 20 mL/hr
Respiratory rate 10/min
Deep tendon reflexes 2+
The Correct Answer is D
A. Positive clonus is a sign of hyperreflexia and can indicate worsening preeclampsia or severe central nervous system irritability. It is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate.
B. Urinary output 20 mL/hr is below the minimum expected urine output (which is generally 30 mL/hr). This finding suggests oliguria and may be a sign of worsening renal function, which is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate.
C. Respiratory rate 10/min is too low. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, and a respiratory rate of 10/min may indicate toxicity. This is not a therapeutic effect.
D. Deep tendon reflexes 2+ is the correct answer. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia by acting as a CNS depressant. A normal response of 2+ for deep tendon reflexes indicates that magnesium sulfate is having a therapeutic effect and the client is not experiencing magnesium toxicity (which would typically cause a decreased reflex response..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client should use a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast is incorrect. Using a hair dryer could cause skin burns or damage the cast. Additionally, the client should avoid introducing moisture into the cast, which could lead to skin irritation or infection.
B. The client's extremity should be elevated after the cast is applied is correct. Elevating the extremity helps reduce swelling and inflammation during the initial phase after cast application. It is important to elevate the limb above the level of the heart to promote venous return and reduce swelling.
C. The client can shower with the cast after 24 hr is incorrect. The plaster cast should not get wet. The nurse should instruct the client to keep the cast dry at all times. A plastic cover or cast protector should be used when showering to prevent moisture from seeping into the cast.
D. The client should keep the cast covered until it is dry is incorrect. It is true that the cast should be kept dry, but keeping it covered is not enough. The primary concern is preventing moisture and ensuring the plaster cast is allowed to air dry in a well-ventilated area without getting wet.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Sit back down for a few minutes when this occurs.": This is correct. Lightheadedness upon standing is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to their blood pressure-lowering effect. The client should be advised to sit down to prevent falls and allow the body to adjust.
B. "Take a daily potassium supplement.": This is incorrect. ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels, and taking a potassium supplement without a healthcare provider’s recommendation may lead to hyperkalemia, a dangerous condition.
C. "Restrict your daily fluid intake.": This is incorrect. Dehydration can exacerbate hypotension, so it is not recommended to restrict fluid intake without further instructions from the provider.
D. "Discontinue this medication if this occurs again.": This is incorrect. The client should not discontinue medication without first consulting their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or provide alternative recommendations to manage the side effects.
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