Magnesium sulfate given during labor is used primarily to prevent which complication?

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Multiple Choice

Magnesium sulfate given during labor is used primarily to prevent which complication?

Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia or to reduce the risk of progressing to eclampsia during labor. It dulls nervous system excitability and neuromuscular transmission, lowering the chance of a seizure. This is the main reason it’s used in labor. It’s not primarily used to prevent fetal distress, tocolysis for preterm labor, or postpartum hemorrhage. Remember to monitor for signs of toxicity (such as diminishing reflexes or respiratory depression) and have calcium gluconate ready as an antidote.

Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia or to reduce the risk of progressing to eclampsia during labor. It dulls nervous system excitability and neuromuscular transmission, lowering the chance of a seizure. This is the main reason it’s used in labor. It’s not primarily used to prevent fetal distress, tocolysis for preterm labor, or postpartum hemorrhage. Remember to monitor for signs of toxicity (such as diminishing reflexes or respiratory depression) and have calcium gluconate ready as an antidote.

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