A patient in preterm labor is receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate at a rate of 1 gm/hr. The woman reports headache and dizziness. Her blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. What will the nurse do?
a. Ask her whether she has a history of myasthenia gravis.
b. Expect the development of paralytic ileus.
c. Stop the infusion and request an order for a diuretic.
d. Tell the patient not to get up without assistance.
ANS: D
Initial reactions to magnesium sulfate include transient hypotension, headache, and dizziness. Telling the patient to ask for assistance when ambulating is appropriate. The patient's signs are not associated with myasthenia gravis, which is a contraindication to treatment with magnesium sulfate. A history of myasthenia gravis should be part of the pretreatment assessment. High doses of magnesium sulfate may cause paralytic ileus, but this patient is receiving a low dose. This patient does not have signs of fluid retention.
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