(select all that apply) A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate.
Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL
Serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL
Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
Correct Answer : A,B
The correct answer is A and B. A. Serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL
This statement is correct because a serum magnesium level of 8 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L) is within the therapeutic range for eclampsia treatment, which is 3.5 to 7 mEq/L (4.2 to 8.4 mg/dL) according to some sources, or 1.5 to 3.5 mmol/L according to others. A serum magnesium level above 8 mEq/L (10 mmol/L) can cause areflexia, respiratory paralysis, and cardiac arrest.
B. Serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL
This statement is correct because a serum calcium level of 7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L) is below the normal range of 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.12 to 2.55 mmol/L), which indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy, as magnesium competes with calcium for binding sites on plasma proteins and cell membranes, and also inhibits the release of parathyroid hormone.
C. Serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL
This statement is wrong because a serum creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL (106 umol/L) is within the normal range of 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL (53 to 115 umol/L) for women. Serum creatinine level reflects kidney function, and renal impairment can affect the clearance of magnesium sulfate and increase the risk of toxicity.
D. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
This statement is wrong because a serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L) is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L) for adults. Serum potassium level reflects electrolyte balance, and hypokalemia or hyperkalemia can affect cardiac function and muscle contraction.
E. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
This statement is wrong because a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L) is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L) for adults. Serum sodium level reflects fluid balance, and hyponatremia or hypernatremia can affect brain function and blood pressure.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate overdose.Magnesium sulfate blocks calcium, so calcium gluconate can reverse the effect of an overdose.
The other choices are not antidotes for magnesium sulfate.Choice A, naloxone, is the antidote for narcotics or opioid overdose.Choice B, flumazenil, is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose.Choice D, protamine sulfate, is the antidote for heparin overdose.The normal range of magnesium level is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L, so a level of 10 mg/dL indicates toxicity.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and E. The nurse should check the client’s blood pressure and magnesium level before giving hydralazine to a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.
• Choice A is correct because hydralazine is an antihypertensive drug that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure before and after giving hydralazine to ensure that it is within the target range and to avoid hypotension or rebound hypertension.
• Choice B is wrong because pulse oximetry is not directly related to hydralazine administration or pre-eclampsia.Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood and can be affected by factors such as anemia, hypothermia, nail polish, or movement.
The nurse should monitor the client’s pulse oximetry as part of routine care, but it is not a priority before giving hydralazine.
• Choice C is wrong because checking the client’s reflexes is not directly related to hydralazine administration or pre-eclampsia.Reflexes are assessed to monitor for signs of magnesium toxicity, which can cause muscle weakness, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest.
The nurse should check the client’s reflexes as part of routine care, but it is not a priority before giving hydralazine.
• Choice D is wrong because checking the client’s urine specific gravity is not directly related to hydralazine administration or pre-eclampsia.Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine and can be affected by factors such as hydration status, renal function, or diuretic use.
The nurse should monitor the client’s urine specific gravity as part of routine care, but it is not a priority before giving hydralazine.
• Choice E is correct because magnesium sulfate is a drug that prevents and treats seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.The nurse should monitor the client’s magnesium level before and after giving magnesium sulfate to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range and to avoid magnesium toxicity.
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