Which lab value should a nurse monitor in a client receiving magnesium sulfate treatment?

Monitoring magnesium levels is essential in a client receiving magnesium sulfate treatment because the medication can lead to hypermagnesemia, which is an excess of magnesium in the blood. This condition can occur due to the intravenous administration of magnesium, particularly if the dosage exceeds the body's capacity to excrete it through the kidneys. Symptoms of hypermagnesemia include respiratory distress, decreased reflexes, hypotension, and cardiac arrest.

Since magnesium sulfate is often used in obstetric settings, especially for conditions like preterm labor or eclampsia, it's critical to ensure that magnesium levels remain within a safe range to prevent adverse effects on both the mother and fetus. Regular monitoring allows for timely interventions should levels become elevated, ensuring patient safety throughout the treatment course.

The other laboratory values listed do not directly relate to the effects or necessary monitoring requirements of magnesium sulfate treatment in the same way. While they are important in various clinical situations, they are not specific indicators of the potential risks associated with magnesium sulfate administration.