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:

Drying the baby after birth and wrapping the baby in a dry blanket

This prevents evaporative heat loss, which occurs when water on the skin surface evaporates and cools the skin. Evaporative heat loss is especially significant in newborns because they are wet at birth and have a large surface area relative to their body mass.

Choice B is wrong because it addresses convective heat loss, which occurs when air currents blow over the skin and carry away heat.

Convective heat loss can be prevented by keeping the baby out of drafts and away from air conditioners.

Choice C is wrong because it addresses radiant heat loss, which occurs when heat radiates from the skin to cooler objects in the environment.

Radiant heat loss can be prevented by placing the baby away from the outside wall and the windows.

Choice D is wrong because it addresses conductive heat loss, which occurs when heat transfers from the skin to cooler objects in contact with the skin.

Conductive heat loss can be prevented by warming the stethoscope and the nurse’s hands before touching the baby.

Normal body temperature for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Magnesium sulfate is given to women with preeclampsia and eclampsia to prevent and treat convulsions.

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia. A healthcare provider will give the medication intravenously. Sometimes, it’s also used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days. This allows drugs that speed up your baby’s lung development to be administered.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes or increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes and respiratory depression as side effects.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by inhibiting uterine contractions.

Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus or lessen the lochial flow. It has no effect on uterine tone or bleeding after delivery.