Question

A nurse administers the prescribed intravenous dose of magnesium sulfate to a client with severe preeclampsia. What adverse effect should the nurse address when evaluating the client's response to the medication?

A. Visual blurring
B. Epigastric pain
C. Fetal tachycardia
D. Respiratory depression

Answer 1

When evaluating a client's response to intravenous magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia, the nurse should be vigilant about the potential adverse effect of respiratory depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse administering intravenous magnesium sulfate to a client with severe preeclampsia should be on the lookout for several potential adverse effects. However, when evaluating a client's response to the medication, the nurse should particularly address respiratory depression. This adverse effect is serious and can occur due to magnesium's ability to depress the central nervous system, which in turn can depress respiratory function. Other symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include loss of deep tendon reflexes, altered mental status, and cardiac disturbances.