Question

A primigravida client with severe gestational hypertension is admitted to the labor unit. she has been receiving magnesium sulfate iv for 3 hours. the latest data reveals deep tendon reflexes (dtrs) of +1, blood pressure of 150/100 mm hg, a pulse of 92 beats/minute, a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute, and urine output of 20 ml/ hour. which action would be most appropriate?

Answer 1

Stop the magnesium sulfate infusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient shown above shows magnesium sulfate toxicity so infusion of this element should be discontinued. In addition, magnesium sulfate should not be used in patients with the physical conditions shown in the above question such as poor and insufficient respiratory rate, urinary output and weak and minute reflexes.

Magnesium sulphate is indicated for replacement of magnesium levels in the treatment of hypomagnesemia, cerebral edema, eclampsia, seizure control in acute uremia, uterine tetany, control of cardiac arrhythmias and barium poisoning, but should be discontinued when patient shows signs of toxicity or exhibits the symptoms shown above.

Answer 2

Magnesium sulfate is a drug for preeclampsia. This drug can be dangerous as it could cause respiratory paralysis. In this case, the patient shows several symptoms of magnesium sulfate toxicity such as reduced respiratory rate(10 breaths/minute), decreased tendon reflex(deep tendon reflexes of +1) and decreased urine output(20 ml/ hour).

The action that needs to be done in magnesium sulfate toxicity is stopping magnesium infusion and prepare for the antidote, calcium gluconate.