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:

Morning sickness, which refers to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is a common symptom but not a definitive sign of pregnancy. It can also be caused by various other factors such as food poisoning or gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is not a positive sign of pregnancy.

Choice B rationale:

Quickening, which refers to the first fetal movements felt by the mother, is a subjective sign of pregnancy. It is not a definitive indication of pregnancy as it can be mistaken for other abdominal sensations. Quickening usually occurs between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation, making it a later sign and not an early positive sign of pregnancy.

Choice C rationale:

A positive pregnancy test, specifically a blood or urine test detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is a reliable indicator of pregnancy. However, it is a biochemical sign and not a physical sign. It does not directly confirm the presence of the fetus or its well-being, making it less specific than auscultating the fetal heartbeat.

Choice D rationale:

Fetal heartbeat auscultated with Doppler/fetoscope is a positive sign of pregnancy. The healthcare provider can hear the fetal heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound device or fetoscope, confirming the presence of a viable pregnancy. This sign is considered positive because it directly indicates the presence of a developing fetus, providing reassurance about the pregnancy status. Fetal heartbeat can usually be detected around 10 to 12 weeks of gestation.

The correct answer is choiceb. Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife.

Choice A rationale:

A positive pregnancy test is considered a probable sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign. Probable signs are those that strongly suggest pregnancy but are not definitive.

Choice B rationale:

Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife is a positive sign of pregnancy. Positive signs are those that provide definitive evidence of pregnancy, such as fetal heart tones heard by a Doppler device or ultrasound visualization of the fetus.

Choice C rationale:

Braxton Hicks contractions are considered a probable sign of pregnancy. These are irregular, painless contractions that can occur throughout pregnancy but do not confirm pregnancy definitively.

Choice D rationale:

Quickening, or the first feeling of fetal movement by the mother, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs are those that the woman experiences and reports, which may suggest pregnancy but are not conclusive.