A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital and prescribed magnesium sulfate therapy.
What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to this patient?

To decrease her blood pressure.

To decrease her tidal volume.

To prevent her from becoming dehydrated.

To prevent her from having convulsions.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D: To prevent her from having convulsions. Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate can lower the cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent convulsions. However, magnesium sulfate does not affect the neonatal outcomes and can cause side effects such as respiratory depression.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease blood pressure. It is used along with medications that help reduce blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not decrease tidal volume. It can cause respiratory depression if the serum level is too high.

Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent dehydration. It can cause fluid retention and pulmonary edema if given in excess.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood.This is apositive sign of pregnancythat can only be attributed to a fetus.hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta that can be detected in blood or urine tests.

Choice A. Quickening.This is apresumptive sign of pregnancythat is based on the woman’s report of feeling fetal movements in her lower abdomen.This can occur at 16 weeks for second time moms and around 20 weeks for first time moms.However, this sign is not conclusive as other conditions can cause similar sensations.

Choice B. Uterine enlargement.This is aprobable sign of pregnancythat can be observed by the nurse or doctor through palpation.However, this sign does not mean 100% that a baby is growing in the uterus as it can be due to other causes such as fibroids or tumors.

Choice C. Urinary frequency.This is apresumptive sign of pregnancythat is based on the woman’s report of needing to urinate more often than usual.This can be caused by hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy.However, this sign is not definitive as other conditions such as urinary tract infections or diabetes can also cause frequent urination.

A. Take the patient’s blood pressure. B. Have the patient breathe into her cupped hands. C. Help the patient to turn onto her side. D. Elevate the patient’s legs. E. Elevate the patient’s legs.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because the patient is experiencing supine hypotension syndrome, which occurs when the weight of the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and reduces venous return and cardiac output. Turning the patient onto her side will relieve the pressure and improve blood flow.

Choice A is wrong because taking the patient’s blood pressure will not address the cause of her symptoms and may delay appropriate intervention.

Choice B is wrong because breathing into her cupped hands will not improve her circulation and may increase her carbon dioxide levels.

Choice D is wrong because elevating the patient’s legs will not relieve the compression of the inferior vena cava and may worsen her condition.Normal blood pressure for a pregnant woman is 110/70 to 120/80 mmHg.Normal heart rate for a pregnant woman is 60 to 90 beats per minute.Normal respiratory rate for a pregnant woman is 16 to 24 breaths per minute.

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A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital and prescribed magnesium sulfate therapy. What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to this patient?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital and prescribed magnesium sulfate therapy.
What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to this patient?