What is the main reason magnesium sulfate is administered to a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia?

Magnesium sulfate is primarily administered to pregnant clients with severe preeclampsia as an anticonvulsant. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications, including seizures or eclampsia, which pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. By using magnesium sulfate, healthcare providers can effectively reduce the risk of seizures in women with severe preeclampsia.

The mechanism by which magnesium sulfate exerts its anticonvulsant effects involves stabilizing the neuronal membranes and inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that can lead to excitatory activity in the central nervous system. This is critical in managing severe preeclampsia, where the risk of seizures is heightened.

While magnesium sulfate may have some mild muscle relaxant properties and can have effects on blood pressure, its primary and most crucial role in this clinical situation is its ability to prevent seizures, ensuring the safety and stability of the pregnant individual and the fetus. Enhancing fetal development is not a recognized indication for the use of magnesium sulfate in this context.