What should a nurse assess when caring for a patient on magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia?

When caring for a patient on magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia, assessing urinary output is critical because magnesium sulfate can lead to decreased renal function or urinary retention. It is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient's urinary output closely, as a significant decrease may indicate magnesium toxicity or worsening renal function. A typical expectation is for the patient to have a urinary output of at least 30 mL per hour.

Failure to monitor this output can result in undetected complications, as magnesium sulfate can cause the body to retain water, leading to fluid overload which can exacerbate preeclampsia. This assessment is vital in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Although monitoring fetal heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood glucose levels are important in other contexts of pregnancy and patient care, they do not specifically address the direct implications of magnesium sulfate therapy in relation to renal function and magnesium levels in the body.