A patient on the high-risk OB unit is receiving magnesium ...

[piesebel]

A patient on the high-risk OB unit is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse notes that her magnesium level is 14 mEq/L. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Bring the crash cart to the patient's room.
  B.
  Document the findings in the woman's chart.
  C.
  Order another blood level in 6 hours.
  D.
  Prepare to administer calcium gluconate.

Question 2

A pregnant woman is HIV-positive. She is asking about ways to decrease the risk of vertical transmission to her baby. Which option given by the nurse would confer the least risk to the baby?
 
  A.
  Antiretroviral medications (zidovudine ZDV)
  B.
  Cesarean delivery
  C.
  Cesarean delivery plus antiretroviral medications for the newborn
  D.
  Vaginal delivery plus antiretroviral medications for the newborn

[Liamb2179]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
This woman's magnesium level has nearly reached the level associated with respiratory arrest. The nurse should prepare to administer the antidote, 10 calcium gluconate. The nurse should have someone else bring the crash cart into the room in case respiratory arrest does occur. Documentation is important, but this needs to be done after the woman is cared for. Additional magnesium levels will be drawn, but ordering them now instead of treating the patient is an inappropriate action.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Women with HIV should be counseled that the risk of vertical transmission (mother to child) is 25 without antiretroviral medication. With ZDV, the rate is 5 to 8. When both options are combined, the risk drops to around 2, so this is the best option.

[piesebel]

Excellent

[aliotak]

TYSM