Outcomes and prognosis
Outcomes and prognosis ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously.
What is the primary reason for administering magnesium sulfate to this client?
Magnesium sulfate does not lower the blood pressure. It may have a mild vasodilatory effect, but it is not the main mechanism of action. Antihypertensive drugs such as nifedipine are used to lower the blood pressure in gestational hypertension.
Magnesium sulfate is primarily used for its anticonvulsive effects in treating hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It helps to prevent and manage seizures during stabilization and until 24 hours after delivery.
Magnesium sulfate does not induce labor. It may have a tocolytic effect, which means it can relax the uterine muscles and delay preterm labor.
Magnesium sulfate does not increase urine output. It may cause fluid retention and edema, which are adverse effects that need to be monitored. Diuretics are used to increase urine output, but they are not recommended for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
The correct answer is choice B. To prevent seizures. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used for its anticonvulsive effects in treating hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It helps to prevent and manage seizures during stabilization and until 24 hours after delivery.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not lower the blood pressure. It may have a mild vasodilatory effect, but it is not the main mechanism of action. Antihypertensive drugs such as nifedipine are used to lower the blood pressure in gestational hypertension.
Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not induce labor. It may have a tocolytic effect, which means it can relax the uterine muscles and delay preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not increase urine output. It may cause fluid retention and edema, which are adverse effects that need to be monitored. Diuretics are used to increase urine output, but they are not recommended for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.