Question

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in preterm labor and is receiving magnesium sulfate by continuous IV infusion. Which of the following indicates magnesium toxicity?

A) urinary output 60 mL/hr
B) Hyporeflexia
C) Respirations 14/min
D) Tachycardia"

Answer 1

Magnesium toxicity, a concern in preterm labor, manifests early as reduced deep tendon reflexes due to its CNS depressant effect. Adequate urinary output, normal respiration, and the absence of tachycardia make hyporeflexia the key indicator. So, the correct option is B) Hyporeflexia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium sulfate is commonly administered to manage preterm labor, as it helps prevent seizures. However, excessive magnesium levels can lead to toxicity, necessitating vigilant monitoring of signs and symptoms. Among the options provided, hyporeflexia (Option B) is indicative of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant, and one of the early manifestations of its excessive presence is the reduced or absent deep tendon reflexes, known as hyporeflexia. This occurs due to the inhibitory effect of magnesium on neuromuscular transmission.

Contrarily, options A, C, and D are inconsistent with expected signs of magnesium toxicity. Adequate urinary output of 60 mL/hr (Option A) is a positive indication, ruling out impaired renal function associated with magnesium toxicity. A respiratory rate of 14/min (Option C) falls within the normal range, and tachycardia (Option D) is not a typical feature of magnesium toxicity.

In summary, recognizing hyporeflexia is crucial in identifying magnesium toxicity during preterm labor management. This sign reflects the drug's impact on the nervous system and prompts timely intervention to prevent further complications.

Answer 2

Hyporeflexia is an indication of magnesium toxicity for a client receiving magnesium sulfate in preterm labor, as it signifies depressed nervous system function due to elevated magnesium levels (option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in preterm labor and is receiving magnesium sulfate by continuous IV infusion. One of the indications of magnesium toxicity is hyporeflexia (B), which is a medical term for below-normal or absent reflexes. This often occurs when magnesium levels are too high since magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant. Conversely, a urinary output of 60 mL/hr (A) is within normal range, respirations of 14/min (C) are also considered normal, and tachycardia (D) is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity.

Hence, the answer is option B.