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.
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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. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone is not typically associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Instead, NAS often presents with hypertonia or increased muscle tone due to
withdrawal symptoms.
Choice B rationale
A continuous high-pitched cry is a hallmark sign of NAS, indicating the newborn is experiencing withdrawal and discomfort. This symptom results from the overstimulation of the
central nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Newborns with NAS often have difficulty sleeping and may sleep for shorter periods due to irritability and discomfort. Prolonged sleep after feeding is not characteristic of NAS.
Choice D rationale
Tremors in newborns with NAS are usually pronounced and continuous, not just when disturbed. These tremors are a result of withdrawal effects on the nervous system.