Author Question: A 26-year-old patient with preeclampsia is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. The 1400 assessment ... (Read 74 times)

tiara099 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A 26-year-old patient with preeclampsia is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. The 1400 assessment includes blood pressure, 100/70 mm Hg; respiration, 10; fetal heart tone, 100/min; urine output, 20 mL/hr; and absent patellar reflex.

Which is the priority nursing action?
a. Decrease IV magnesium sulfate to half the dose and reassess the patient and fetus in 15 minutes.
b. Stop the IV magnesium sulfate and contact the health care provider.
c. Place the patient on her left side and administer oxygen.
d. Stop the IV magnesium sulfate and administer calcium gluconate 5 mEq IV over 3 minutes.

Question 2

Which drug will the health care provider prescribe to soften the cervix of a woman who is at 42 weeks of gestation?

a. Methylergonovine (Methergine)
b. Dinoprostone (Prepidil)
c. Betamethasone (Celestone)
d. Terbutaline (Brethine)

olderstudent · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The patient is exhibiting signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, including respiratory depression. The infusion should be stopped at once. The antidote, calcium gluconate, should be administered.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Dinoprostone is a natural chemical in the body that causes uterine and gastrointestinal smooth muscle stimulation. It plays a role in cervical softening and dilation unrelated to uterine muscle stimulation. It is used to start and continue cervical ripening at term. Methergine is used to treat postpartum bleeding. Betamethasone is used to enhance fetal lung development. Terbutaline is used to treat premature labor.