Which effect should alert a nurse to notify the healthcare provider while giving magnesium sulfate?

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When administering magnesium sulfate, it is essential to monitor the patient’s urine output closely because magnesium sulfate can have significant renal implications. A urine output of less than 100 mL in 4 hours indicates possible renal impairment or magnesium toxicity, as the kidneys may not be effectively excreting excess magnesium, leading to accumulation in the body.

This low urine output serves as a warning sign that the patient's kidneys may be struggling to manage the medication, necessitating notification to the healthcare provider for further assessment and potential intervention. Maintaining a healthy urine output is critical in patients receiving magnesium sulfate, especially since high magnesium levels can lead to serious complications such as respiratory depression and cardiac issues. In this context, monitoring urine output helps ensure patient safety and guides appropriate clinical decision-making.

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