What is a sign of toxicity when administering magnesium sulfate?

What is a sign of toxicity when administering magnesium sulfate?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• C. Increased urine output
• D. Weight loss

Answer: (B)

Decreased deep tendon reflexes is a significant indicator of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used in obstetric care, particularly for the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia, to prevent seizures. One of the critical aspects of monitoring patients receiving this medication is to watch for signs of excessive magnesium levels, as too much can depress the central nervous system and affect neuromuscular function. When magnesium levels rise, the neurological response can diminish, leading to reduced reflexes. Therefore, an assessment that reveals diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes suggests that the magnesium concentration in the body may be reaching toxic levels, which can further lead to more severe complications, such as respiratory depression or cardiac issues. In contrast, increased heart rate, increased urine output, and weight loss do not typically reflect magnesium toxicity. An increased heart rate might indicate different conditions, and increased urine output usually suggests good kidney function and is often seen when magnesium is administered appropriately. Weight loss is not a relevant sign of toxicity in this context. Proper monitoring of deep tendon reflexes is a crucial part of the care protocol for someone receiving magnesium sulfate.

Decreased deep tendon reflexes is a significant indicator of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used in obstetric care, particularly for the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia, to prevent seizures. One of the critical aspects of monitoring patients receiving this medication is to watch for signs of excessive magnesium levels, as too much can depress the central nervous system and affect neuromuscular function.

When magnesium levels rise, the neurological response can diminish, leading to reduced reflexes. Therefore, an assessment that reveals diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes suggests that the magnesium concentration in the body may be reaching toxic levels, which can further lead to more severe complications, such as respiratory depression or cardiac issues.

In contrast, increased heart rate, increased urine output, and weight loss do not typically reflect magnesium toxicity. An increased heart rate might indicate different conditions, and increased urine output usually suggests good kidney function and is often seen when magnesium is administered appropriately. Weight loss is not a relevant sign of toxicity in this context. Proper monitoring of deep tendon reflexes is a crucial part of the care protocol for someone receiving magnesium sulfate.