The nurse is caring for a woman who is in labor and has a blood pressure of 180/98 mm Hg with proteinuria of 400 mg/24 hours. The woman is receiving magnesium sulfate
The woman becomes lethargic with slurring of her speech and decreased muscle tone. Her serum magnesium sulfate level is 11 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes which condition in this patient?
a. Abruptio placenta
b. Hypertensive crisis
c. Impending eclampsia
d. Magnesium toxicity
ANS: D
Patients receiving magnesium sulfate can develop toxicity, evidenced by lethargy, slurred speech, and decreased muscle tone. A level greater than 10 mEq/L indicates toxicity. Patients with severe eclampsia will have marked elevation of blood pressure and seizures.
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