Page 185 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing

baby…delivery of baby tends to be the treatment to help but can

have seizures after delivery)

Magnesium sulfate administered to prevent seizures during and after

labor (risk for seizures up to 48 hours after delivery)

- Monitor for toxicity: Early pt may report feeling warm or note

flushing, RR: <12, DTRs: decreased/absent, UOP: <30 cc/hr, EKG

changes etc.

Protein-rich diet (remember there may be low protein in blood due

to proteinuria…protein leaks into the urine and leaves blood)

- Watch salt intake (sodium levels can increase due to renal

dysfunction and start to keep sodium in the blood)

Severe complications to watch for:

- HELLP Syndrome: hemolysis (rupture of RBCs), elevated liver
enzymes, low platelets,

- DIC

- Fetal distress or restriction of growth

- Placental abruption

- Stroke

I & Os: strict monitoring (may need Foley catheter), abnormal sign:

low urinary output less than 30 cc/hr (kidneys aren’t being perfused

very well)

Antihypertensives (labetalol, hydralazine)

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