A nurse is preparing to administer an IV loading dose of magnesium sulfate to a client who has preeclampsia with severe features.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the medication over 30 min using an infusion pump
Place the client in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip
Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 15 min during the infusion
Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Have calcium gluconate available at the bedside as an antidote. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent and treat seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. However, it can also cause toxicity and respiratory depression if the serum level is too high. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be readily available at the bedside.
Choice A is wrong because the medication should be administered over 20-30 minutes using an infusion pump.
A shorter infusion time may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice B is wrong because the client should be placed in a lateral position to improve uteroplacental perfusion and reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice C is wrong because the client’s blood pressure should be monitored every 5 minutes during the infusion, not every 15 minutes.
Blood pressure is an indicator of the severity of preeclampsia and the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A) Serum magnesium level.Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia.It is often given intravenously and can also be used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days.However, magnesium sulfate can also cause side effects and toxicity, such as respiratory depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum magnesium level to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL.
Choice B) Serum potassium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the potassium level significantly.
Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
The normal range of potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C) Serum sodium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the sodium level significantly.
Sodium is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.
The normal range of sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not affect the calcium level significantly.
Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.
The normal range of calcium level is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and D.These choices reflect the laboratory findings that are expected in a client who has HELLP syndrome.HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that is a type of preeclampsia and has similar symptoms.It can cause serious blood and liver problems.
Choice A is correct because hemoglobin of 9 g/dL indicates hemolysis, which is the breaking down of red blood cells.The normal range of hemoglobin for pregnant women is 11 to 16 g/dL.
Choice B is correct because platelets of 90,000/mm3 indicate thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count.The normal range of platelets for pregnant women is 150,000 to 400,000/mm3.
Choice C is correct because AST of 120 U/L indicates elevated liver enzymes, which reflect liver injury.The normal range of AST for pregnant women is 10 to 40 U/L.
Choice D is correct because LDH of 600 U/L indicates elevated lactate dehydrogenase, which is a marker of hemolysis.The normal range of LDH for pregnant women is 140 to 280 U/L.
Choice E is wrong because WBC of 15,000/mm3 indicates leukocytosis, which is not a feature of HELLP syndrome.The normal range of WBC for pregnant women is 5,000 to 15,000/mm3.
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