A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select All that Apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Provide a dark, quiet environment: A low-stimulation environment helps reduce central nervous system excitability in clients with severe gestational hypertension. Bright lights and noise can provoke neural irritation, increasing the risk for seizures. Creating a calm space supports neurologic stability. B. Assess respiratory status every 4 hr: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, and early signs may be missed with infrequent monitoring. Respiratory assessments should occur every 1 to 2 hours to detect changes promptly. Four-hour intervals are too wide to ensure safety. C. Administer magnesium sulfate IV: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures by reducing neuromuscular activity and stabilizing the central nervous system. It is a standard medication for clients with severe gestational hypertension and requires close monitoring during administration. D. Ensure that calcium gluconate is readily available: Calcium gluconate is the reversal agent for magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can lead to respiratory or cardiac complications. Keeping it at the bedside allows for immediate treatment if signs of toxicity occur. This ensures rapid response during emergencies. E. Evaluate neurologic status every 8 hr: Clients with severe gestational hypertension need more frequent neurologic assessments to detect early signs of worsening condition. Eight-hour intervals are too infrequent to catch changes like headache, visual changes, or altered consciousness. Frequent checks help guide timely interventions.