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

Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device.

This is because low back pain and pelvic pressure at 36 weeks of gestation may indicate preterm labor, which can affect the fetal well-being.Therefore, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate as a priority to determine if the fetus is in distress or not.

Choice A is wrong because tocolytic medication is used to stop uterine contractions, not to relieve low back pain and pelvic pressure.Choice B is wrong because resting in a side-lying position may help with blood circulation and reduce supine hypotensive syndrome, but it does not address the possible cause of low back pain and pelvic pressure.Choice D is wrong because assessing vaginal discharge for any change may indicate infection, rupture of membranes, or cervical dilation, but it is not as urgent as assessing fetal heart rate.

Some interventions for preventing and treating low back pain and pelvic pressure during pregnancy include exercise, water-based exercise, acupuncture, osteomanipulative therapy, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic support belts.

However, these interventions should be discussed with the health care provider before starting them.

A. To suppress uterine contractions B. To prevent infection C. To promote fetal lung maturity D. To reduce maternal blood pressure

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To promote fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone (Celestone) is a type of corticosteroid that can help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants by accelerating the development of their lungs.It is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not suppress uterine contractions.

It has no effect on the cause of preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection.

It may actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce maternal blood pressure.

It may actually cause hypertension and hyperglycemia as side effects.

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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 caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client at 30 weeks of gestation is experiencing pre-term labor. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate to suppress uterine contractions?

A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant about the risk factors for pre-term labor. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings is a risk factor for pre-term labor?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who had pre-term labor at 32 weeks of gestation and was prescribed bed rest at home. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is providing education to a client and her partner about pre-term labor. Which intervention should the nurse include in the teaching plan to address possible outcomes and complications?

A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor. Which assessment finding would be most concerning and require immediate intervention?

A nurse is admitting a client who is in pre-term labor at 34 weeks of gestation and has ruptured membranes and oligohydramnios. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pre-term newborn who was born at 32 weeks of gestation. Which of the following values indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

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?