A pregnant woman is admitted to the high-risk OB unit and started ...

[littleanan]

A pregnant woman is admitted to the high-risk OB unit and started on an IV of magnesium sulfate (Sulfamag). What assessment by the nurse is most important?
 
  A.
  Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
  B.
  Fetal heart tones
  C.
  Serum calcium level
  D.
  Temperature

Question 2

A woman arrives at the birthing unit for a scheduled cesarean birth. What action by the nurse is most important?
 
  A.
  Cleanse and shave the woman's abdomen.
  B.
  Ensure that signed informed consent is on the chart.
  C.
  Facilitate a blood draw for type and cross match.
  D.
  Initiate a large-bore IV and insert a catheter.

[momtoalll]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Sulfamag can lead to muscle weakness. A critical assessment while using this drug is DTRs. The other assessments are not related to side effects of this drug.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Upon arrival to the birthing unit, the priority nursing action is to ensure that a signed maternal consent is on the chart. The nurse will cleanse and shave the abdomen, start an IV, and insert a catheter, but these interventions are not the priority. Laboratory work should have been obtained prior to the day of admission.