Practice Quiz

CRNE Canadian Registered Nurse

Category - Wellness

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Molly, a 36-year-old female at 30 weeks’ gestation, has a systolic blood pressure of 180/120 mm Hg. She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 24 weeks’ gestation. The physician orders the administration of magnesium sulfate through the intravenous route. The nurse understands that this drug is prescribed to prevent which of the following conditions?
  1. Seizures
  2. Excessive uterine bleeding
  3. Uncontrolled hypertension
  4. Hypomagnesemia
Explanation
Answer: A - Magnesium sulfate is administered to prevent seizures in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate functions as a central nervous system and muscular depressant that controls or prevents convulsions. It acts by blocking neuromuscular transmissions and decreasing the amount of acetylcholine released at the end plate by the motor nerve impulse. Magnesium sulfate does not prevent hemorrhage. Antihypertensives are preferably used to control hypertension. Pre-eclampsia does not cause hypomagnesemia.
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