Question

A patient is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia. The nurse must notify the attending physician immediately of which of the following findings?

a. Patellar and biceps reflexes or +4
b. Urinary output or 50 mL/hr
c. Respiratory rate of 10 rpm
d. Serum magnesium level of 5 mg/dl

Answer 1

The nurse must immediately notify the attending physician if the serum magnesium level of the patient receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia is at 5 mg/dl.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse must immediately notify the attending physician if the serum magnesium level of the patient receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia is at 5 mg/dl. Monitoring the serum magnesium level is important because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity at high levels, leading to serious complications such as respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and neuromuscular blockade. Therefore, an elevated serum magnesium level requires immediate attention and possible intervention from the physician.