A woman is being treated for preterm labor with magnesium sulfate. Which finding by the nurse indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Select one:

Choice A Reason: Prepare for IV dextrose administration. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an unnecessary and invasive intervention for an IDM with normal blood glucose. IV dextrose administration is indicated for an IDM with severe or persistent hypoglycemia, which is defined as a blood glucose below 40 mg/dL or below 60 mg/dL after two feedings.

Choice B Reason: Provide routine care, per hospital IDM protocol. This is because a blood glucose of 60 is within the normal range for an IDM, which is 40 to 80 mg/dL. An IDM is a newborn whose mother has pre-existing or gestational diabetes, which can affect the fetal and neonatal glucose metabolism and regulation. An IDM may have hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), or other complications such as macrosomia, polycythemia, or congenital anomalies. An IDM requires routine care and monitoring according to the hospital IDM protocol, which may include blood glucose testing, feeding, temperature regulation, and observation for signs of distress.

Choice C Reason: Place the infant in a warmed incubator. This is an incorrect answer that suggests an irrelevant and potentially harmful action for an IDM with normal blood glucose. Placing the infant in a warmed incubator is indicated for an IDM with hypothermia, which is a low body temperature that can impair glucose utilization and increase oxygen consumption. However, placing the infant in a warmed incubator without proper indication can cause hyperthermia, which is a high body temperature that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or brain damage.

Choice D Reason: Alert the clinician immediately for orders. This is an incorrect answer that implies an urgent and unwarranted situation for an IDM with normal blood glucose. Alerting the clinician immediately for orders is indicated for an IDM with signs of distress or complications, such as apnea, cyanosis, seizures, or jaundice.

Choice A Reason: Latent phase of the first stage of labor. This is because this phase is characterized by mild and irregular contractions, slow cervical dilation (up to 4 cm), minimal cervical effacement (up to 40%), and minimal discomfort or pain. The latent phase is also known as the early phase or preparatory phase of labor.

Choice B Reason: Transition phase of the first stage of labor. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different phase with different characteristics. The transition phase is marked by strong and frequent contractions, rapid cervical dilation (from 8 to 10 cm), complete cervical effacement (100%), and intense discomfort or pain. The transition phase is also known as the terminal phase or acceleration phase of labor.

Choice C Reason: Perineal phase of the second stage of labor. This is an incorrect answer that refers to another stage and phase with different features. The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation (10 cm) and ends with delivery of the baby. The perineal phase is the last part of the second stage, where the baby's head crowns and emerges through the vaginal opening.

Choice D Reason: Active phase of the first stage of labor. This is an incorrect answer that indicates another phase with different atributes. The active phase is characterized by moderate and regular contractions, progressive cervical dilation (from 4 to 8 cm), increased cervical effacement (from 40% to 80%), and increased discomfort or pain. The active phase is also known as the middle phase or dilatation phase of labor.