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?

Question

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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.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Woman Who Is in Labor