Final answer:
Magnesium sulfate is used in labor and delivery to stop preterm labor and prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia. It can cause toxicity, which can be assessed through absent deep tendon reflexes (DTR) and a low respiratory rate (RR). Calcium gluconate can be used to counteract this toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug used in labor and delivery to stop preterm labor and prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia is magnesium sulfate.
When administered, magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity, which can be assessed through the absence of deep tendon reflexes (DTR) and an extremely low respiratory rate (RR). To counteract this toxicity, calcium gluconate can be administered.