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 B

Explanation

Lying on one’s back with knees bent while using the monitor is not recommended for women at risk of preterm labor, as it can put pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein leading back to the heart.This can cause low blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.A better position is to lie on one’s side with a pillow at the back for support.

Choice A is correct because emptying the bladder before applying the monitor can reduce interference from urine contractions and make the readings more accurate.

Choice C is correct because pressing the event marker every time one feels a contraction can help record the frequency and duration of uterine activity.

Choice D is correct because using the monitor for at least 1 hour twice a day can provide sufficient data on uterine contractions and help detect early signs of preterm labor.

A. “I will drink at least eight glasses of water every day.” B. “I will lie on my back with a pillow under my knees.” C. “I will avoid sexual intercourse until I reach term.” D. “I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.” This statement indicates that the client understands the signs of preterm labor and when to seek medical attention.Preterm labor is defined as having regular contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.More than four contractions in an hour may indicate that preterm labor is occurring and requires prompt evaluation.

Choice A is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water every day is not a specific instruction for preventing preterm labor.However, dehydration can trigger contractions and should be avoided.

Choice B is wrong because lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.This position can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.A better position is lying on the left side, which improves circulation and reduces pressure on the cervix.

Choice C is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until reaching term is not necessary for most women with a history of preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).However, some women may be advised to abstain from sex if they have certain conditions, such as placenta previa or a short cervix.

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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

A nurse is evaluating the understanding of a client who is at risk for pre-term labor and has been instructed to perform daily home uterine activity monitoring (HUAM). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

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?