A woman with severe preeclampsia has been receiving magnesium sulfate 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.The nurse calls the physician,anticipating an order for:

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Hydralazine is an antihypertensive commonly used to treat hypertension in severe preeclampsia.Typically,it is administered for a systolic BP greater than 160 mm Hg or a diastolic BP greater than 110 mm Hg.An additional bolus of magnesium sulfate may be ordered for increasing signs of central nervous system irritability related to severe preeclampsia (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 sulfate toxicity.The patient is not currently displaying any signs or symptoms of magnesium toxicity.

A Woman with Severe Preeclampsia Has Been Receiving Magnesium Sulfate