Final answer:
The absence of deep tendon reflexes in a pregnant client receiving magnesium sulfate likely indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity, which necessitates immediate medical intervention. It is not a normal finding and requires adjustment of the treatment plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is assisting in caring for a pregnant client who is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate for the management of preeclampsia and notes that the client's deep tendon reflexes are absent. The nurse reports the finding as this could indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity, which is a critical condition that requires immediate attention. Absent deep tendon reflexes are not a normal expected response, nor do they directly indicate fetal distress or maternal dehydration; instead, they are a sign of potential toxicity.
It is crucial to closely monitor magnesium sulfate therapy due to the risks of magnesium toxicity, which can include respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and decreased neural function. Therefore, the absence of deep tendon reflexes would necessitate quick action by the healthcare team to adjust the dosage or discontinue the infusion and to implement measures to counteract the excessive magnesium levels.