MEDizzy - A client admitted with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium

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Nursing Care of Women at Risk During Pregnancy & Post-partum

A client admitted with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which assessment indicates that a therapeutic level of the medication has been reached?

ExplanationD. Hyperreflexia of severe preeclampsia is 3+ to 4+ therefore, a deep tendon reflex of +2 which is an active, expected reflex, indicates that a therapeutic level of the drug has been reached. A diminished or absent reflex indicates that the serum magnesium level is too high. A. Because magnesium sulfate is a CNS depressant, a respiratory rate of 12 indicates that the serum magnesium level is too high. B. Alterations in fetal activity are not indicators of a therapeutic magnesium sulfate level. C. Oliguria is a sign of severe preeclampsia; diuresis is a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate administration.