title: Deep tendon reflexes, magnesium, and calcium: assessments and implications.
abstract: The perinatal nurse, in collaboration with physicians, can use deep tendon reflexes as a powerful tool in determining the need to start, adjust, or stop magnesium infusion. Toxicity can be detected using physical manifestations as a guide. Clinical signs may be a better indicator than serum levels of tissue levels of magnesium. Whether magnesium is given to prevent seizures or for tocolysis, patients in both situations are at risk for developing toxicity and must be assessed regularly to ensure patient safety.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, CA 92350, USA. jnick@sn.llu.edu
authors.forename: Jan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nick
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012026:Reflex, Stretch; D012307:Risk Factors; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate