A woman is being treated for preterm labor with magnesium sulfate. Which finding by the nurse indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Select one:
Respiratory rate of 16.
Complaints by the client of feeling flushed and warm.
Fetal heart rate of 120.
Patellar reflexes are absent.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Respiratory rate of 16. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a normal finding that does not suggest magnesium sulfate toxicity. Respiratory rate is a measure of the number of breaths per minute, which reflects the respiratory function and oxygenation status. Respiratory rate of 16 is within the normal range for adults, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Respiratory rate of 16 does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can cause respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute.
Choice B Reason: Complaints by the client of feeling flushed and warm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a common side effect that does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Feeling flushed and warm are sensations that are caused by vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can occur as a result of magnesium sulfate administration. Feeling flushed and warm are not signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, but rather expected and mild reactions that usually subside within a few hours.
Choice C Reason: Fetal heart rate of 120. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a normal finding that does not suggest magnesium sulfate toxicity. Fetal heart rate is a measure of the number of beats per minute of the fetal heart, which reflects the fetal well-being and oxygenation status. Fetal heart rate of 120 is within the normal range for fetuses, which is 110 to 160 beats per minute. Fetal heart rate of 120 does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can cause fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute or above 160 beats per minute.
Choice D Reason: Patellar reflexes are absent. This is because absent patellar reflexes are a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity, which is a condition where the level of magnesium in the blood is too high, which can cause adverse effects on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. Magnesium sulfate is a medication that is used to prevent or treat preterm labor, which is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. Magnesium sulfate works by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting uterine contractions. However, magnesium sulfate can also affect other muscles and nerves in the body, and cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, respiratory depression, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Two arteries, one vein. This is because two arteries and one vein are the normal components of the umbilical cord, which is a structure that connects the fetus to the placenta and provides blood circulation between them. The umbilical cord carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical vein, and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta through the umbilical arteries.
Choice B Reason: Two veins, one artery. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
Choice C Reason: Two veins, two arteries. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as double umbilical vein (DUV). DUV is a condition where there are two umbilical veins instead of one, which can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. DUV can be associated with fetal overgrowth or polycythemia in some cases.
Choice D Reason: One artery, one vein. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is also known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Obtain a bilirubin level. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an irrelevant and unnecessary nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Obtaining a bilirubin level is a nursing action that is indicated for a newborn with jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), which can occur due to increased bilirubin production or decreased bilirubin excretion. Jaundice does not cause tremors or jiteriness in newborns.
Choice B Reason: Place a pulse oximeter on the newborn. This is an incorrect answer that suggests an inappropriate and insufficient nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Placing a pulse oximeter on the newborn is a nursing action that measures oxygen saturation and heart rate, which can indicate hypoxia (low oxygen level) or distress in newborns. Hypoxia can cause tremors or jiteriness in newborns, but it is not the only or most likely cause. Placing a pulse oximeter on the newborn does not provide enough information to diagnose or treat hypoglycemia.
Choice C Reason: Obtain a blood glucose level. This is because tremors or jiteriness are common signs of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in newborns, which can occur due to various factors such as prematurity, maternal diabetes, infection, or cold stress. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage or death if not treated promptly and effectively. Obtaining a blood glucose level is a nursing action that has the highest priority for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness, as it can confirm the diagnosis and guide the treatment.
Choice D Reason: Take the newborn's vital signs. This is an incorrect answer that implies an inadequate and delayed nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Taking the newborn's vital signs is a nursing action that monitors temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, which can indicate general health status and stability in newborns. Taking the newborn's vital signs may reveal signs of hypoglycemia, such as hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, or hypotension, but it is not a specific or definitive test for hypoglycemia. Taking the newborn's vital signs may also waste valuable time that could be used to obtain a blood glucose level and initiate treatment.
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