A female in her third trimester of pregnancy developed hypertension, diffuse edema, proteinuria, and hyperreflexia. She was treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate and is now hyporeflexic and drowsy. What do you prescribe now?
- calcium
- diazepam
- an amphetamine
- additional magnesium
- oxygen
Answer: A
Calcium
Pre-eclampsia causes hyperreflexia. Magnesium is the treatment. The sign of magnesium toxicity is a loss of reflexes... this is treated with calcium
Know Your Content Blueprint
Pre-eclampsia is covered in the NCCPA™ Content Blueprint Reproductive System (8%)
Learn more about hypertension in pregnancy and take the interactive lesson quiz at SMARTY PANCE Hypertension disorders in pregnancy