A woman with severe pre-eclampsia has been receiving magnesium sulphate by intravenous infusion for 8 hours.The nurse assesses the woman and documents the following findings: temperature of 37.1° C,pulse rate of 96 beats/min,respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min,blood pressure (BP)of 155/112 mm Hg,3+ deep tendon reflexes,and no ankle clonus.Which medication should the nurse anticipate will be ordered for this patient?

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Hydralazine is an antihypertensive commonly used to treat hypertension in severe pre-eclampsia.Typically it is administered for a systolic BP over 160 mm Hg or a diastolic BP over 110 mm Hg.An additional bolus of magnesium sulphate may be ordered for increasing signs of central nervous system irritability related to severe pre-eclampsia (e.g. ,clonus)or if eclampsia develops.Diazepam sometimes is used to stop or shorten eclamptic seizures.Calcium gluconate is used as the antidote for magnesium sulphate toxicity.The patient is not currently displaying any signs or symptoms of magnesium toxicity.

A Woman with Severe Pre-Eclampsia Has Been Receiving Magnesium Sulphate