A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia.
Which assessment finding would alert the nurse to suspect magnesium toxicity?
Rapid pulse.
Tingling in toes.
Cool skin temperature.
Absent deep tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
A rapid pulse is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity more commonly affects the nervous and muscular systems.
Choice B rationale
Tingling in toes can be a sign of early magnesium sulfate effects but not necessarily toxicity. It may indicate that the medication is starting to affect the nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Cool skin temperature is not a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity are more related to neuromuscular and respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes are a key indicator of magnesium toxicity. This finding suggests that magnesium levels are high enough to depress neuromuscular function, requiring immediate medical intervention. .
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the client's blood pressure can help determine if there is a significant loss of blood and consequent hypotension. However, it is not the immediate first action to manage
heavy bleeding postpartum.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the bladder for distention is crucial as a full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction, potentially leading to increased bleeding. But, it isn't the first priority compared to
addressing the immediate bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Massaging the client's fundus is the priority action in this case. It helps to contract the uterus, thereby reducing bleeding. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum
hemorrhage, and fundal massage is the first intervention to manage it.
Choice D rationale
Preparing to administer a prescription may be necessary, especially if uterotonics are required. However, this is a subsequent step after attempting to control the bleeding through
fundal massage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Copious vernix is typically found on preterm newborns, not those born post-term.
Choice B rationale
Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term newborns due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale
Decreased subcutaneous fat is more likely in preterm newborns, while post-term newborns might lose some fat due to nutrient depletion.
Choice D rationale
Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants, whereas post-term infants usually have more developed hair. .