A pregnant woman has been receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion for treatment of severe preeclampsia for 24 hours. On assessment the nurse finds the following vital signs: temperature of 37.3° C, pulse rate of 88 beats/min, respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min, blood pressure (BP) of 148/90 mm Hg, absent deep tendon reflexes, and no ankle clonus. The patient complains, "I'm so thirsty and warm." The nurse:

Question

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The patient is experiencing symptoms of magnesium sulfate toxicity, including absent deep tendon reflexes and decreased respiratory rate. Discontinuation of the magnesium sulfate infusion is necessary to prevent further complications. Administering oxygen or preparing to administer hydralazine is not indicated in this situation, as they do not address the underlying issue of magnesium sulfate toxicity. A stat magnesium sulfate level could potentially be ordered, but discontinuing the infusion is the priority action.

A Pregnant Woman Has Been Receiving a Magnesium Sulfate Infusion