What should a nurse monitor when a patient is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia?

When a patient is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia, it is critical for the nurse to monitor reflexes and respiratory status because magnesium sulfate acts as a central nervous system depressant. This medication is primarily used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia and can lead to magnesium toxicity if not carefully monitored.

Monitoring reflexes helps assess the neuromuscular function and can indicate if magnesium levels are becoming too high, resulting in diminished reflexes, which may signify impending respiratory depression or cardiac complications. Assessing respiratory status is also vital, as high levels of magnesium can lead to respiratory depression, potentially causing respiratory failure. Both of these assessments are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment, allowing for appropriate interventions if signs of toxicity present themselves.

While monitoring blood glucose levels, urine output, and heart rate and rhythm are also important aspects of caring for a patient with preeclampsia, they are not as directly associated with the administration of magnesium sulfate as reflexes and respiratory status are. Effective management of magnesium sulfate therapy requires keen awareness of the risks of toxicity, which is why these specific vital signs are prioritized in monitoring.