A client is on magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia with severe features.
The nurse must notify the attending physician regarding which of the following findings?
Patellar and biceps reflexes of 3+.
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr.
Respiratory rate of 16 rpm.
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL. .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Reflexes of 3+ indicate hyperreflexia, common in pre-eclampsia, but not necessarily critical. Monitoring is essential but not an emergency.
Choice B rationale
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is within the acceptable range but requires monitoring for any changes. It's not a critical alert.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 rpm is normal and does not indicate immediate risk requiring physician notification.
Choice D rationale
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL is significantly high, indicating potential toxicity. Immediate physician notification is critical to adjust magnesium sulfate administration.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxytocin during shoulder dystocia can exacerbate the problem by increasing uterine contractions, making it harder to deliver the baby's shoulder.
Choice B rationale
Flexing the client's thighs sharply toward her abdomen, known as the McRoberts maneuver, helps to widen the pelvis and can often resolve shoulder dystocia by changing the angle of the pelvic bones.
Choice C rationale
While applying oxygen is a standard practice to improve maternal and fetal oxygenation, it does not specifically address shoulder dystocia and is not a primary intervention.
Choice D rationale
Applying downward pressure on the fundus is contraindicated as it can worsen shoulder dystocia by further impacting the shoulder against the pelvic bone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure of 160/110 indicates severe preeclampsia and warrants immediate intervention to prevent complications. Stopping oxytocin is part of the management of severe
preeclampsia to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Choice B rationale
Frequency of contractions every 3 minutes is within the normal range during labor induction and does not warrant stopping the infusion unless there are other concerns.
Choice C rationale
A fetal heart rate of 155 bpm with early decelerations may require close monitoring but does not necessarily warrant stopping the oxytocin infusion. Early decelerations are typically a
normal physiological response.
Choice D rationale
Frequency of contractions every 3 minutes is expected during active labor and is generally not a cause to stop the oxytocin infusion. The nurse should continue to monitor the labor
progression closely.