During intravenous magnesium sulfate therapy for preeclampsia, why must the nurse monitor the client’s deep tendon reflexes?

Monitoring a client's deep tendon reflexes during intravenous magnesium sulfate therapy for preeclampsia is crucial because it helps to identify potential for respiratory depression. Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant, and one of its serious side effects is respiratory depression due to its muscle relaxant properties.

When a patient receives magnesium sulfate, the therapeutic levels need to be monitored closely. A decrease in deep tendon reflexes can indicate that the magnesium levels are rising too high, which increases the risk for more severe respiratory depression, muscle weakness, or a decrease in neuromuscular function.

Thus, assessing deep tendon reflexes provides a direct indication of the neuromuscular effects of magnesium sulfate, allowing the nurse to intervene when necessary to maintain patient safety and prevent respiratory complications. This monitoring practice aligns with best nursing practices in managing high-risk patients undergoing treatment with magnesium sulfate.