A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

The client reports decreased uterine contractions

The client’s blood pressure decreases to within normal limits

The client’s deep tendon reflexes are 2+

The client’s urine output increases to more than 30 mL/hr

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic drug that inhibits uterine activity and relaxes smooth muscles. The goal of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor is to stop or reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions.

Choice B is wrong because the client’s blood pressure decreases to within normal limits.

Magnesium sulfate is not an antihypertensive drug and does not lower blood pressure. It is used to prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Choice C is wrong because the client’s deep tendon reflexes are 2+.

This is a normal finding and does not indicate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy. A decrease or loss of deep tendon reflexes may indicate magnesium toxicity, which is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s urine output increases to more than 30 mL/hr.

This is also a normal finding and does not indicate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy. A decrease in urine output may indicate renal impairment or magnesium toxicity, which are both adverse effects of the drug.

The normal range for serum magnesium level is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L or 1.8 to 3 mg/dL. The therapeutic range for magnesium sulfate management is 5 to 8 mg/dL.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

True labor contractions cause cervical dilation and effacement.

This means that the cervix opens up and thins out to prepare for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.

Cervical changes can be measured by a pelvic exam.

Choice A is wrong because true labor contractions are regular and do not subside with rest.False labor contractions are irregular and may stop when you change position or activity level.

Choice B is wrong because false labor contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not in the lower back.True labor contractions may start in the back and radiate to the abdomen.

Choice D is wrong because false labor contractions do not increase in intensity with ambulation.True labor contractions may become stronger and closer together when you walk.

Normal ranges for cervical dilation and effacement vary depending on the stage of labor, but generally, full dilation is 10 cm and full effacement is 100%.

A. Avoid sexual intercourse until term B. Drink at least 3 L of fluids per day C. Report any increase in vaginal discharge to the provider D. Perform pelvic floor exercises daily

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Report any increase in vaginal discharge to the provider.This is because an increase in vaginal discharge can indicate an infection, which can trigger preterm labor or cause complications for the mother and the baby.

Choice A is wrong because sexual intercourse is not contraindicated for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, unless they have other risk factors such as placenta previa or ruptured membranes.

Choice B is wrong because drinking at least 3 L of fluids per day is not necessary for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, unless they have dehydration or oligohydramnios.

Choice D is wrong because pelvic floor exercises are not recommended for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, as they can increase uterine activity and cause contractions.

Tocolytic therapy is the use of drugs to delay delivery for a short time (up to 48 hours) if a woman begins labor too early in her pregnancy.

The purpose of tocolytic therapy is to allow time for the administration of corticosteroids or other medicine.

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A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?