A nurse is monitoring a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

The client is receiving magnesium sulfate IV infusion.

Which of the following are expected adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply)

Nitrazine paper test.

This test involves putting a drop of fluid obtained from the vagina onto paper strips containing nitrazine dye.

The strips change color depending on the pH of the fluid.The strips will turn blue if the pH is greater than 6.0, which indicates the presence of amniotic fluid.This test can help confirm rupture of membranes (ROM) in pregnancy, especially when preterm labor is suspected.

Choice B. Ferning test.This test involves examining a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope and looking for a fern-like pattern that is formed by dried amniotic fluid crystals.This test can also help confirm ROM, but it is less reliable than the nitrazine test because other substances such as cervical mucus, semen, or blood can also cause ferning.

Choice C. Amniotic fluid index.This test involves measuring the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus using ultrasound.This test can help assess the fetal well-being and detect conditions such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid).This test cannot confirm ROM by itself, but it can be used in combination with other tests to evaluate the status of the pregnancy.

Choice D. Biophysical profile.This test involves using ultrasound and a fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate, breathing, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume.

The therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate is to inhibit uterine contractions and prevent or delay preterm labor.

By assessing uterine activity, the nurse can evaluate if the medication is working or not.

Choice A is wrong because measuring urine output is not directly related to the therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but rather to monitor for toxicity and renal function.

Choice B is wrong because checking deep tendon reflexes is also not directly related to the therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but rather to monitor for neuromuscular effects and toxicity.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring blood pressure is not directly related to the therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but rather to monitor for cardiovascular effects and toxicity.