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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Precipitous labor and birth are not directly associated with postpartum endometritis. The primary risk factors are related to infections during labor.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum endometritis is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics for 7-10 days, not a single dose of ampicillin or cephalosporin. A single dose would be insufficient for
treating the infection.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum endometritis is more common following cesarean birth due to increased risk of infection despite the use of sterile techniques during surgery.
Choice D rationale
Postpartum endometritis is associated with internal monitoring, amnioinfusion, prolonged labor, and prolonged rupture of membranes. These factors increase the risk of infection,
which can lead to endometritis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing for vaginal bleeding in PPROM is generally not necessary unless there is an indication of placental issues or other complications. PPROM involves the rupture of
membranes before 37 weeks, primarily requiring monitoring for infection and fetal wellbeing rather than routine bleeding checks.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for signs of infection is critical after PPROM because the rupture increases the risk of ascending infections. The nurse should diligently assess for fever, foul-smelling
discharge, and other signs of infection to initiate timely interventions, preserving both maternal and fetal health.
Choice C rationale
Checking for cervical dilation in PPROM is important because premature rupture of membranes can lead to preterm labor. Monitoring dilation helps determine if labor is imminent,
influencing decisions regarding maternal and neonatal care to prevent complications from premature birth.
Choice D rationale
Watching for fetal compromise is necessary following PPROM as premature rupture of membranes can lead to umbilical cord compression or other complications affecting fetal oxygenation. Continuous fetal monitoring helps detect early signs of distress, allowing timely intervention to ensure fetal safety.