The nurse should expect "hypotension" and possibly a feeling of "warmth or mild hypothermia" as common findings when a client is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion for preterm labor. Tachypnea, tachycardia, and hyperthermia are not typical effects associated with magnesium sulfate administration in this context.
When a client is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion for preterm labor, the medication has specific effects on the body. Let's analyze the expected findings step by step:
1. Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing):
- Magnesium sulfate can have a central nervous system depressant effect, including on the respiratory center in the brain.
- This often leads to respiratory depression, resulting in a decreased respiratory rate (bradypnea) rather than tachypnea.
- Therefore, tachypnea is not an expected finding with magnesium sulfate infusion.
2. Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate):
- Magnesium sulfate typically causes cardiovascular effects, including vasodilation.
- Vasodilation often leads to a decrease in blood pressure (hypotension) rather than tachycardia.
- Therefore, tachycardia is not an expected finding with magnesium sulfate infusion.
3. Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure):
- Hypotension is a common expected finding when a client is receiving magnesium sulfate.
- Magnesium sulfate causes vasodilation and can lead to decreased blood pressure.
- Close monitoring of blood pressure is necessary when administering this medication.
4. Hyperthermia (Elevated Body Temperature):
- Hyperthermia or elevated body temperature is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate infusion.
- Instead, magnesium sulfate can have a mild hypothermic effect on the body, which may cause the client's body temperature to decrease slightly.
- Hypothermia or feeling warm due to the vasodilatory effects of magnesium sulfate is a more likely finding.