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:
Calls for a stat magnesium sulfate level
Administers oxygen
Discontinues the magnesium sulfate infusion
Prepares to administer hydralazine
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
If a child has acute epiglottitis, examination of the throat may cause complete obstruction and should be performed only when immediate intubation can take place.
This is because the inflamed epiglottis can block the airway and cause respiratory distress or failure.
Choice A is wrong because inspiratory stridor is a sign of upper airway obstruction that is aggravated when a child with epiglottitis is supine.
It is not caused by examining the throat with a tongue depressor.
Choice C is wrong because sore throat and pain on swallowing are early signs of epiglottitis, not precipitated by examining the throat with a tongue depressor.
Choice D is wrong because respiratory tract infection is the cause of epiglottitis, not a symptom or condition that is precipitated by examining the throat with a tongue depressor.
Epiglottitis is caused by H. influenzae in the respiratory tract.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication that helps improve the pumping function of the heart and reduces fluid retention in the lungs and other tissues. It is commonly used to treat congestive heart failure in infants.
Choice A is wrong because weighing the infant every day on the same scale at the same time is a way to monitor fluid balance, not an intervention to treat excess fluid volume.
Choice B is wrong because notifying the physician when weight gain exceeds more than 20 g/day is also a monitoring measure, not an intervention. Moreover, weight gain may not accurately reflect fluid volume status in some patients with heart failure due to poor nutrition and decreased appetite.
Choice C is wrong because putting the infant in a car seat to minimize movement may worsen the respiratory distress and increase the workload of the heart. The infant should be positioned in a semi-Fowler’s or Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing and reduce venous return.
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