Which statement accurately reflects the use of magnesium sulfate in obstetric care?

Which statement accurately reflects the use of magnesium sulfate in obstetric care?

• A. It is used to promote labor contractions
• B. It is used to treat postpartum hypertension
• C. It is used to prevent fetal lung maturity
• D. It is used to stop seizures during pregnancy

Answer: (D)

Magnesium sulfate is used in obstetric care primarily as an anticonvulsant to prevent and treat seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia. It works by depressing neuromuscular excitability and reducing CNS irritability, which lowers the risk of seizure activity for the mother. Because of these effects, careful monitoring is essential: observe reflexes, check respiratory rate, monitor urine output, and track serum magnesium levels; signs of toxicity include diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes, slowed breathing, and reduced urine output, and calcium gluconate is the antidote if toxicity occurs. This use is not about promoting labor contractions or improving fetal lung maturity—steroids are used for lung maturity—nor is it a routine treatment for postpartum hypertension; its primary role in this context is seizure prevention and control.

Magnesium sulfate is used in obstetric care primarily as an anticonvulsant to prevent and treat seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia. It works by depressing neuromuscular excitability and reducing CNS irritability, which lowers the risk of seizure activity for the mother. Because of these effects, careful monitoring is essential: observe reflexes, check respiratory rate, monitor urine output, and track serum magnesium levels; signs of toxicity include diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes, slowed breathing, and reduced urine output, and calcium gluconate is the antidote if toxicity occurs. This use is not about promoting labor contractions or improving fetal lung maturity—steroids are used for lung maturity—nor is it a routine treatment for postpartum hypertension; its primary role in this context is seizure prevention and control.