A nurse is assessing a client who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion. For which of the following therapeutic effects should the nurse monitor the client?

Choice A reason: Urine output of 20 mL/hr is below the desired 30 mL/hr during magnesium sulfate therapy, indicating potential toxicity or renal issues, not a therapeutic effect. Absence of eclampsia is the goal. Monitoring for low output risks missing seizure prevention, critical for maternal safety in preeclampsia management. Choice B reason: Fetal heart rate of 116/min is within normal (110-160/min) but not a direct therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, which prevents seizures. Absence of eclampsia is key. Assuming heart rate is the focus risks overlooking maternal neurological status, critical for ensuring seizure prevention in preeclampsia treatment. Choice C reason: Blood pressure of 150/92 mm Hg, while elevated, is not the primary therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, which targets seizure prevention, not hypertension. Absence of eclampsia is priority. Focusing on blood pressure risks neglecting seizure monitoring, critical for maternal safety in preeclampsia management with magnesium. Choice D reason: Absence of eclampsia (seizures) is the primary therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate in preeclampsia, stabilizing neuronal excitability, preventing life-threatening convulsions. Monitoring this ensures maternal safety, critical for preventing neurological damage, supporting fetal well-being, and guiding therapy adjustments in high-risk obstetric care.