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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dexamethasone does not directly stop labor contractions; instead, it is used to enhance fetal lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
Dexamethasone is not for infection prevention; antibiotics are used for that purpose in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
Choice C rationale
Dexamethasone is administered to enhance fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Choice D rationale
Dexamethasone is not used for pain relief in preterm labor; other medications are prescribed for pain management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Contraction duration less than 40 seconds doesn't define tachysystole. Tachysystole focuses on excessive frequency of contractions rather than their duration.
Choice B rationale
Contraction frequency of more than 5 in 10 minutes defines tachysystole. This condition indicates too frequent uterine activity, which can compromise fetal oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Contraction intensity less than 80 mm Hg doesn't define tachysystole. Tachysystole is characterized by the number of contractions, not their intensity.
Choice D rationale
Resting tone less than 18 mm Hg is not related to the definition of tachysystole. Tachysystole concerns contraction frequency, not the resting tone of the uterus between contractions. .