A pregnant woman has been receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion for the treatment of severe preeclampsia for 24 hours.
On assessment, the nurse finds the following vital signs: temperature of 37.3° C, pulse rate of 88 beats/min, respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min, blood pressure (BP) of 148/90 mm Hg, absent deep tendon reflexes, and no ankle clonus.

The patient complains, “I’m so thirsty and warm.” The nurse:

The patient is showing signs of magnesium toxicity, such as respiratory depression, hyporeflexia, and flushing.

Magnesium sulfate is a high-alert medication that can cause serious adverse effects if not monitored closely.

The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider.

Choice A is wrong because calling for a stat magnesium sulfate level will not address the immediate problem of toxicity.

The nurse should act quickly to prevent further complications.

Choice B is wrong because administering oxygen will not reverse the effects of magnesium toxicity.

Oxygen may be helpful for respiratory distress, but it will not correct the underlying cause.

Choice D is wrong because hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication that lowers blood pressure.

The patient’s blood pressure is already within the normal range for a pregnant woman with preeclampsia (140-160/90-110 mm Hg).

Hydralazine may cause hypotension and fetal distress.

A brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes is a sign of a healthy retina and optic nerve. The red reflex is the reflection of light from the retina that varies in color depending on the patient’s skin tone. It can be seen by holding the ophthalmoscope directly in front of your eye and asking the patient to focus on a point in the distance.

Choice B is wrong because an abnormal finding would be an absent or asymmetric red reflex, which could indicate cataracts, retinal detachment, or other eye diseases.

Choice C is wrong because a possible visual defect would not affect the red reflex, but rather the visual acuity or field of vision of the patient.

A vision screening would involve testing the patient’s ability to read letters or numbers at different distances.

Choice D is wrong because small hemorrhages would not cause a brilliant, uniform red reflex, but rather dark spots or blotches on the retina that can be seen with the ophthalmoscope.

Hemorrhages can be caused by diabetes, hypertension, or trauma.