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The nurse continues to care for the client who is at 30 weeks of

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

Based on the client findings, the nurse should first

and then prepare to administer.
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}

Rationale for Correct Options:

  • Apply oxygen via nasal cannula: The client is experiencing shallow respirations, SPO2 92%, lethargy, low urine output, and decreased DTRs, which are classic signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygenation and mitigate hypoxia while preparing for further intervention.
  • Calcium gluconate: This is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Given the client’s clinical signs such as depressed DTRs, lethargy, and shallow breathing, immediate preparation and administration of calcium gluconate is essential to reverse potentially life-threatening effects.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

  • Reduce fluid intake: Although urine output is decreased, the primary concern is not fluid overload but rather signs of magnesium toxicity. Fluid restriction would not address the current emergent symptoms.
  • Discontinue IV infusion: Magnesium sulfate infusion should be discontinued if toxicity is suspected, but it's not the first action compared to applying oxygen. The infusion should be stopped as soon as respiratory support is provided.
  • Hydralazine: While this antihypertensive can treat severe hypertension in pregnancy, it is not the immediate priority in the setting of magnesium toxicity. Stabilizing respiratory and neurologic status takes precedence.
  • Nifedipine: This antihypertensive has already been prescribed and possibly administered earlier. Re-administering it would not be the correct response to signs of magnesium toxicity, and could exacerbate hypotension or bradycardia.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Options:

  • Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that typically occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. This client has elevated blood pressure (156/96 mm Hg), proteinuria (25 mg/dL), hyperreflexia, headache, right upper quadrant pain, and facial edema—all hallmark signs of preeclampsia.
  • Urinalysis shows elevated protein, which is a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is a result of kidney involvement due to endothelial damage from hypertension indicating kidney involvement due to the systemic vascular changes in preeclampsia.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

  • Chorioamnionitis typically presents with maternal fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia. This client is afebrile and has no signs of intrauterine infection.
  • Preterm labor is indicated by cervical changes and regular uterine contractions, neither of which are present. The fetal monitor shows no contractions, and there are no reports of vaginal drainage or pressure.
  • Serum WBC count is mildly elevated at 12,500/mm³, which can be normal in pregnancy and does not indicate infection or inflammation in this context.
  • Fundal assessment: The fundal height of 29 cm at 30 weeks is within the normal range (+/- 2 cm), so it does not evidence a particular risk.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Muscle weakness: Hyperkalemia disrupts normal muscle cell function by affecting membrane excitability, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness or even paralysis in severe cases. It is one of the hallmark signs of elevated potassium levels.
B. Oliguria: While hyperkalemia may be associated with renal impairment, oliguria is not a direct manifestation of high potassium but rather a possible contributing factor. It is not specific to hyperkalemia itself.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Increased potassium levels typically cause hyperactivity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to hyperactive bowel sounds and cramping, not reduced or hypoactive activity.
D. Hypertension: Hyperkalemia more commonly results in hypotension due to its effects on cardiac conduction and vasculature. Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of elevated serum potassium.

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