Question

What other nursing care should be done when patient is on Magnesium Sulfate? (examples- bleeding precautions, activity limitations, patient education, dietary modifications, etc)

Answer 1

Precautions or Other nursing care that should be done when a patient is on Magnesium Sulfate are,

• Check the temperature every few hours. Patients on Magnesium Sulfate have the tendency to become hypothermic
• Magnesium Sulfate can cause difficulty in breathing. Monitor the patient for the same.
• Due to the depression of reflex actions, the patient should be advised not move on their own too much. It also causes drowsiness which can affect the mobility/ activity level of the patient.
• Pulse, respiratory rate should be monitored as depression of cardiovascular system and respiratory system is seen.
• Blood pressure should be monitored.
• The patient should be informed about the possible short and long term side effects of magnesium sulfate such as bone demineralisation, cardiovascular disease etc.
• The complete Medical history of the patient should be taken before the administration of the drug.