Which compound would the nurse have readily available for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia?

Choice A: Vitamin E requirements do not decrease during pregnancy due to the increase in body fat. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E during pregnancy is 15 mg/day, which is the same as for non-pregnant women.

Choice B: Prenatal vitamins will meet your need for increased folic acid during pregnancy. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folic acid deficiency can cause neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The RDA for folic acid during pregnancy is 600 mcg/day, which can be obtained from prenatal vitamins and fortified foods.

Choice C: You will not need to double your intake of protein during pregnancy. Protein is a macronutrient that provides amino acids for tissue growth and repair. The RDA for protein during pregnancy is 1.1 g/kg/day, which is only slightly higher than for non-pregnant women (0.8 g/kg/day).

Choice D: You will not need to increase your intake of calcium during pregnancy. Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium absorption and retention are enhanced during pregnancy, so there is no need to increase the intake above the RDA of 1000 mg/day for women aged 19 to 50 years.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because cloudy malodorous fluid indicates that the amniotic fluid is contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause infection in the woman or the fetus. Normally, amniotic fluid is clear and odorless.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because abdominal tenderness suggests that the woman has inflammation or irritation of the uterus or other pelvic organs due to infection. Abdominal tenderness can also be accompanied by cramping, pain, or fever.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because fetal bradycardia, which is a slow fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute, indicates that the fetus is experiencing distress or hypoxia due to infection. Fetal bradycardia can be detected by electronic fetal monitoring or Doppler device.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because elevated maternal pulse rate, which is a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, indicates that the woman has an increased metabolic demand or systemic inflammation due to infection. Elevated maternal pulse rate can also be caused by dehydration, anxiety, or pain.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because decreased C-reactive protein levels do not indicate infection. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. Increased CRP levels can be a sign of infection, but decreased CRP levels can be normal or indicate other conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition.