The nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client whose blood pressure has increased from 110/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg Which nursing protocol has the highest priority?
Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output
Have calcium gluconate immediately available
Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting.
Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRS) every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output: This is a reasonable intervention because magnesium sulfate can affect renal function, and monitoring urinary output is essential. However, there's a more critical intervention to consider first.
B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available: This is the highest priority. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to neuromuscular blockade, and calcium gluconate is the antidote. Having it readily available is crucial in case signs of magnesium toxicity (such as loss of deep tendon reflexes) appear.
C. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting: While maintaining a calm environment is generally important for clients on magnesium sulfate, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
D. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours: This is an important part of monitoring for magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, the immediate availability of calcium gluconate is the highest priority in case toxicity occurs.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cleanse the spinal injection site:
Cleansing the spinal injection site is a routine part of maintaining proper hygiene during and after the administration of spinal anesthesia. However, if the client is experiencing symptoms of a spinal headache, the priority is to prepare for potential interventions by having the necessary equipment ready rather than focusing on the site itself.
B. Apply an abdominal binder:
Applying an abdominal binder is not directly related to addressing a spinal headache. Abdominal binders are typically used for providing support to the abdominal muscles after childbirth or surgery. It wouldn't be the primary intervention for a spinal headache.
C. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter:
Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter is not a direct intervention for addressing a spinal headache. Spinal headaches are related to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and positioning. While managing the patient's overall care is important, it may not be the immediate priority in this context.
D. Place procedure equipment at bedside:
This is the most appropriate action in the context of a postpartal client exhibiting symptoms of a spinal headache. Having the necessary procedure equipment, such as materials for a blood patch, ready at the bedside ensures preparedness for potential interventions by the anesthesiologist.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flaring of the nares:
Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
B. Shallow and irregular respirations:
Shallow and irregular respirations can be a sign of respiratory distress, but flaring of the nares is a more specific and immediate indication.
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute:
While a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute might be within the normal range for a newborn, the overall clinical picture, including other signs of distress, should be considered.
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement:
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement is not a normal pattern for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress.
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