Magnesium Sulfate is being administered intravenously to a client for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Which assessment finding should the nurse identify as a complication of this treatment?

Choice A rationale:
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is not recommended primarily because it is a less expensive method of testing. The main reasons for self-monitoring include empowering the child to manage their diabetes, allowing for more frequent monitoring without hospital visits, and facilitating prompt adjustments in insulin or dietary intake.
Choice B rationale:
Self-monitoring of blood glucose can be quite accurate if done correctly. Accuracy depends on proper technique, calibration of the glucometer, and regular maintenance. It is comparable to laboratory testing when performed accurately.
Choice C rationale:
Children with diabetes need to learn to manage their condition as they grow older. Teaching them self-monitoring skills empowers them to take control of their health and make informed decisions about insulin dosages, dietary choices, and physical activity levels.
Choice D rationale:
While parental involvement is essential, self-monitoring of blood glucose is primarily about empowering the child to manage their diabetes. Parents play a supportive role in educating and supervising, but the child's active involvement is crucial for long-term management.

Choice A rationale:

A respiratory rate of 10 bpm is significantly lower than the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute. This finding suggests respiratory depression, a potential complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Magnesium sulfate, when given intravenously, can lead to respiratory depression, hypotension, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Monitoring respiratory rate is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory depression, allowing prompt intervention to prevent respiratory failure.

Choice B rationale:

A blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg is elevated and indicates hypertension. While hypertension is a known side effect of magnesium sulfate, a blood pressure reading alone is not specific enough to indicate a complication of treatment. It is essential to consider other vital signs and symptoms for a comprehensive assessment.

Choice C rationale:

Deep tendon reflexes of +2 are within the normal range and do not indicate a complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) is a sign of magnesium toxicity, but +2 reflexes are normal. Monitoring deep tendon reflexes is crucial, but the given value is within the normal range.

Choice D rationale:

An urine output of 70 ml/hour is within the normal range of urine output (30-60 ml/hour) for adults. While monitoring urine output is essential to assess renal function, this value does not indicate a complication of magnesium sulfate administration. Decreased urine output could suggest kidney injury, which is a potential complication of magnesium sulfate, but 70 ml/hour is within the normal range.