A nurse is caring for a 34-year-old female client in the labor and delivery unit. Exhibits The nurse prepares to initiate magnesium sulfate therapy for the client. What is the priority nursing action?

Choice A rationale: Increasing the infusion rate of magnesium sulfate without medical approval is not appropriate. The prescribed rate should be followed unless the provider orders a change. Choice B rationale: Assessing the client’s deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate before administering magnesium sulfate is crucial. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system and respiratory function, so baseline assessments are necessary to identify any adverse effects early. Choice C rationale: Stopping the infusion for variable decelerations is not the initial step. Variable decelerations may need to be addressed, but it is not the priority action before starting magnesium sulfate. Choice D rationale: Administering an antihypertensive medication is important if the blood pressure remains elevated, but it is not specified as required before starting magnesium sulfate.