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 h. 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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of lethargy, slurred speech, and decreased muscle tone along with a high serum magnesium level indicate magnesium toxicity. This can occur with prolonged use or higher doses of magnesium sulfate, which is commonly used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. Hypertensive crisis and impending eclampsia are potential complications of preeclampsia, but do not explain the specific symptoms seen in this patient. Abruptio placenta is a different obstetric emergency that usually presents with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Woman Who Is in Labor