A woman with severe preeclampsia has been receiving magnesium sulfate by intravenous infusion for 8 hours.The nurse assesses the client and documents the following findings: temperature of 37.1° C,pulse rate of 96 beats per minute,respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute,BP of 155/112 mm Hg,3+ DTRs,and no ankle clonus.The nurse calls the provider with an update.The nurse should anticipate an order for which medication?

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

A Woman with Severe Preeclampsia Has Been Receiving Magnesium Sulfate