A nurse is evaluating the fetal status of a client who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a sign of fetal compromise?
Fetal heart rate of 140 beats/min
Fetal movement of 10 times in an hour
Oligohydramnios on ultrasound
Reactive nonstress test
The Correct Answer is C
Oligohydramnios on ultrasound. Oligohydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume is less than expected for gestational age. It can be a sign of fetal compromise due to various causes, such as renal abnormalities, placental insufficiency, premature rupture of membranes, or chromosomal anomalies. Oligohydramnios can lead to complications such as fetal deformities, preterm birth, infection, or stillbirth.
Choice A is wrong because a fetal heart rate of 140 beats/min is within the normal range for most of pregnancy.
Choice B is wrong because fetal movement of 10 times in an hour is also within the normal range and indicates fetal well-being.
Choice D is wrong because a reactive nonstress test is a reassuring sign that the fetus is not hypoxic or stressed.
Normal ranges:
• Amniotic fluid index (AFI): 5-25 cm
• Fetal heart rate: 110-160 beats/min
• Fetal movement: at least 10 movements in 2 hours
• Nonstress test: at least two accelerations of fetal heart rate of 15 beats/min for 15 seconds or more in 20 minutes
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Urinary output of 100 mL in 4 hr is an indication of magnesium sulfate toxicity.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.Taking too much magnesium can be life-threatening to both mother and child.
Choice B is wrong because
Choice C is wrong because patellar reflex of +2 is normal and not a sign of toxicity.Loss of deep tendon reflexes can occur with magnesium overdose.
Choice D is wrong because serum magnesium level of 4 mEq/L is normal and not a sign of toxicity.Toxic levels are usually above 8 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate therapy is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction.Seizures are a sign of eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia that can be life-threatening.
Therefore, if the therapy is successful, the woman should not have any seizures.
Choice B.Absence of proteinuria is wrong because proteinuria, or excess protein in urine, is a possible sign of preeclampsia, not eclampsia.
Proteinuria may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice C.Absence of edema is wrong because edema, or swelling, is a common symptom of pregnancy and may not be related to preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Edema may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice D.Absence of headache is wrong because headache is a symptom of preeclampsia, not eclampsia.
Headache may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg and for protein in urine are below 300 mg per 24 hours.
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