Author Question: A client in labor at 34 weeks of gestation is hospitalized and treated with intravenous magnesium ... (Read 85 times)

cool · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A client in labor at 34 weeks of gestation is hospitalized and treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate for 18 to 20 hours. When the magnesium sulfate is discontinued, which oral drug will be prescribed for at-home continuation of the tocolytic effect?

a. Buccal oxytocin (Pitocin)
b. Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine)
c. Calcium gluconate (Calgonate)
d. Magnesium sulfate

Question 2

A pregnant client with premature rupture of membranes is at higher risk for postpartum infection. Which assessment data indicate a potential infection?

a. Fetal heart rate, 150 beats/min
b. Maternal temperature, 99 F
c. Cloudy amniotic fluid, with strong odor
d. Lowered maternal pulse and decreased respiratory rates

jaymee143 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The client receiving decreasing doses of magnesium sulfate is often switched to oral terbutaline to maintain tocolysis. Pitocin increases the strength of contractions and is used to augment or stimulate labor. Buccal Pitocin dosing is uncontrollable. Calcium gluconate reverses magnesium sulfate toxicity. The drug should be available for complications of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium sulfate is usually given intravenously or intramuscularly. The patient must be hospitalized for magnesium therapy because of the serious side effects of this drug.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Amniotic fluid should be clear and have a mild odor, if any. Fetal tachycardia of greater than 160 beats/min is often the first sign of intrauterine infection. A temperature of 100.4 F or higher is a classic symptom of infection. Vital signs should be assessed hourly to identify tachycardia or tachypnea, which often accompany temperature elevation.