Question

A primigravida at 38 weeks' gestation presents to the clinic with a blood pressure of 142/94, edema in all extremities, and a weight gain of 5 lb (2.3 kilograms) since the previous checkup 1 week ago. the decision has been made to initiate magnesium sulfate therapy. what are the nursing priorities with this choice of therapy?

Answer 1

There are a few preeclampsia signs in this patient like increased blood pressure and oedema. Magnesium sulphate is the drug used for preeclampsia but it was dangerous because it could depress the nervous system and kidney.

The nurse should monitor the patient respiratory rate, patellar reflex, and urine output. If there any sign of respiratory paralysis, the drug should be stopped

Answer 2

Precautions and warnings of nurses when using magnesium sulphate are:

Since it is a HYPERTONIC SOLUTION, INJECT SLOWLY.

The first intravenous administrations are to be carried out in hospital.

Comply with an infusion rate not exceeding 0.6 mmol magnesium-element per minute or 150 mg / min magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.

* The use of this medicine requires monitoring:

==> blood pressure during injection and perfusion,

==> magnesia; the treatment will be interrupted as soon as it is normalized,

* The dosage will be reduced in patients with renal impairment with increased monitoring of renal function, blood pressure and magnesium.

TO AVOID POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SEVERAL MEDICAMENTS, and in particular with the quinidine (cardiac antiarrhythmics) and the curariants,