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)

Assess fetal heart rate and activity.

The nurse should identify that a client who reports a sudden gush of fluid from her vagina is at risk forpremature rupture of membranes (PROM), which can lead toinfection,cord prolapse, andfetal distress.Therefore, the priority action is to assess the fetal heart rate and activity to monitor for signs of hypoxia or distress.

Choice B is wrong because performing a nitrazine test on the fluid is not the first action.A nitrazine test can confirm the presence of amniotic fluid by detecting its alkaline pH, but it is not as urgent as assessing the fetal well-being.

Choice C is wrong because administering oxytocin (Pitocin) IV infusion is contraindicated in this situation.Oxytocin is used to induce or augment labor, but it can causeuterine hyperstimulation,fetal distress, andplacental abruptionif given to a client who has PROM.

Choice D is wrong because placing the client in Trendelenburg position is not recommended for a client who has PROM.Trendelenburg position can increase the risk ofcord prolapseandaspirationin this situation.

Leukocoria (white pupils) is a symptom of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disease that can happen in premature babies.ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye.

Choice B is wrong because strabismus (crossed eyes) is not a symptom of ROP, but a possible complication that can occur later in life.

Choice C is wrong because nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) is not a symptom of ROP, but another possible complication that can occur later in life.

Choice D is wrong because it includes choices B and C, which are incorrect.

Normal ranges for gestational age and birth weight are 38 to 42 weeks and 5.5 to 10 pounds, respectively.Babies born before 31 weeks or weighing less than 3 pounds are at risk for ROP.