The nurse is providing care to a postpartum patient after an emergency cesarean due to eclampsia. The patient received spinal anesthesia before delivery. Magnesium sulfate is infusing 2 g/hr in 100 mL of IV fluid.
Which assessment finding will cause the nurse to administer calcium gluconate to the patient via IV push?
Respiratory rate is 18 breaths/min.
Urinary output remains at 30 mL/hr.
Patella reflexes are rated at one.
Serum magnesium level is 10 mg/dL. . .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min is normal and does not indicate magnesium toxicity or the need for calcium gluconate.
Choice B rationale
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is within the acceptable range and does not suggest magnesium toxicity. This indicates adequate renal function.
Choice C rationale
Patellar reflexes rated at one indicate mild hyporeflexia, which can be a side effect of magnesium sulfate but does not necessitate immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL is significantly elevated, indicating magnesium toxicity. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity and should be administered
promptly to prevent severe complications.
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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Swaddling provides warmth but doesn't address jitteriness, which may be due to hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Jitteriness in a newborn can indicate hypoglycemia. Prompt glucose assessment is crucial for early detection and management.
Choice C rationale
Feeding could help with glucose levels, but without knowing the glucose status, it might not be the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale
Routine medications are important but not as urgent as addressing possible hypoglycemia in a jittery baby.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pacifier in the baby's mouth is inappropriate because it does not address the underlying cause of grunting, which can be a sign of respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
Checking the baby's diaper is not relevant to assessing the cause of grunting. Grunting is usually related to respiratory issues rather than a dirty diaper.
Choice C rationale
Having the mother feed the baby is inappropriate because grunting may indicate respiratory distress. Feeding should be deferred until the baby's respiratory status is assessed and stabilized.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the respiratory rate is appropriate because grunting in a newborn can indicate respiratory distress. The nurse should evaluate the respiratory status to determine the need for further intervention.