A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who received magnesium sulfate to treat preterm labor. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Nausea.
Facial flushing.
Urine output 40 mL/hr.
Respiratory rate 10/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Nausea can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate, but it is not a specific indication of toxicity. Other symptoms are more directly indicative of magnesium sulfate overdose.
Choice B rationale
Facial flushing is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate but is not a sign of toxicity. It typically occurs at therapeutic levels and is not a reliable indicator of overdose.
Choice C rationale
Urine output of 40 mL/hr is within normal limits for an adult and does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, significantly decreased urine output could be concerning.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory rate of 10/min is a critical sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, and a rate of 10 breaths per minute or less indicates that the patient may be experiencing toxic effects, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Respiratory rate of 10/min is a critical adverse effect, indicating potential respiratory depression due to magnesium sulfate, a serious and life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Urine output of 160 mL in 4 hours is lower than expected but not immediately life-threatening. It needs monitoring but is not as critical as respiratory rate.
Choice C rationale
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate but is not life-threatening. It warrants attention but does not require immediate reporting.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a common, less severe side effect of magnesium sulfate that does not indicate an urgent situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The newborn's legs flexing at the knees and hips when pressure is applied to the soles indicates the stepping reflex, an expected response.
Choice B rationale
Newborns do not typically keep their eyes closed when tapped on the forehead; this is not an expected reflex response.
Choice C rationale
The palmar grasp reflex, where the newborn's fingers curl around the nurse's finger, is an expected and normal finding in newborns, indicating healthy neurological function.
Choice D rationale
The rooting reflex, where the newborn turns their head when their cheek is touched, is expected and demonstrates feeding readiness and normal neural development. .