Question

A woman with severe preeclampsia is being treated with an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate. This treatment is considered successful if:

a. blood pressure is reduced to prepregnant baseline.
b. seizures do not occur.
c. deep tendon reflexes become hypotonic.
d. diuresis reduces fluid retention.

Answer 1

The treatment with an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate for a woman with severe preeclampsia is considered successful if: seizures do not occur (Option B). Magnesium sulfate's tocolytic effects stabilize blood vessel walls, which is vital for seizure control, although it may also support blood pressure regulation and fluid balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate in a woman with severe preeclampsia is deemed successful if seizures are prevented.

Magnesium sulfate is used in cases of preeclampsia to prevent seizures, which is a condition known as eclampsia.

The success of the treatment is not primarily measured by blood pressure reduction, changes in deep tendon reflexes, or diuresis, although these may also be favorable outcomes.

Magnesium sulfate acts as a tocolytic, decreasing the risk of seizures by stabilizing blood vessel walls and preventing vasospasm.

The maintenance of stable blood pressure and reduced risk of seizure due to magnesium sulfate infusion is supported by its role in counteracting the potential imbalances in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which have been associated with hypertensive conditions according to several studies.

It is important to closely monitor the patient for signs of magnesium toxicity, which can include hypotonia of deep tendon reflexes, as well as the patient's kidney function because excessive magnesium can lead to fluid retention.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

Answer 2

In the context of treating severe preeclampsia with an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate, the primary goal is to prevent seizures (eclampsia) in the pregnant woman. Therefore, the correct option is "b. Seizures do not occur."

Step-by-step explanation:

Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant that is commonly used in the management of preeclampsia to prevent seizures. It acts by reducing neuronal excitability and neuromuscular transmission. The absence of seizures is a key indicator of the success of magnesium sulfate therapy in preventing eclampsia, a severe complication of preeclampsia.

Preventing seizures is the primary objective: The administration of magnesium sulfate is aimed at preventing the occurrence of eclamptic seizures, which can pose serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child.

Monitoring for effectiveness: Healthcare providers closely monitor the patient's response to magnesium sulfate to ensure that seizures do not occur during the course of treatment.

Evaluating treatment success: The absence of seizures indicates the successful control of the neurological manifestations associated with severe preeclampsia.

In summary, the correct and successful outcome of magnesium sulfate treatment in severe preeclampsia is the prevention of seizures, aligning with option "b."