When assessing a pregnant patient with eclampsia who is receiving ...

[james]

When assessing a pregnant patient with eclampsia who is receiving IV magnesium sulfate, which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
 
  a. The bibasilar breath sounds are decreased.
  b. The patellar and triceps reflexes are absent.
  c. The patient has been sleeping most of the day.
  d. The patient reports feeling sick to my stomach.

Question 2

A patient is receiving a 3 saline continuous IV infusion for hyponatremia. Which assessment data will require the most rapid response by the nurse?
 
  a. The patient's radial pulse is 105 beats/minute.
  b. There is sediment and blood in the patient's urine.
  c. The blood pressure increases from 120/80 to 142/94.
  d. There are crackles audible throughout both lung fields.

[softEldritch]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The loss of the deep tendon reflexes indicates that the patient's magnesium level may be reaching toxic levels. Nausea and lethargy also are side effects associated with magnesium elevation and should be reported, but they are not as significant as the loss of deep tendon reflexes. The decreased breath sounds suggest that the patient needs to cough and deep breathe to prevent atelectasis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Crackles throughout both lungs suggest that the patient may be experiencing pulmonary edema, a life-threatening adverse effect of hypertonic solutions. The increased pulse rate and blood pressure and the appearance of the urine also should be reported, but they are not as dangerous as the presence of fluid in the alveoli.

[james]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[jackie]

Excellent