During magnesium sulfate therapy for seizure prophylaxis in severe pre-eclampsia, clinical monitoring should include all of the following parameters EXCEPT:

• A Presence of patellar deep tendon reflexes
• B Hourly serum magnesium measurement in all patients ✓
• C Urine output of at least 25 mL per hour
• D Respiratory rate of at least 12 breaths per minute

Explanation

Standard monitoring uses three clinical parameters: intact patellar reflexes, respiratory rate of 12 per minute or more, and adequate urine output of 25 mL per hour or more. Serum magnesium levels are reserved for situations where renal function is uncertain, toxicity is suspected, or reflexes are absent, because routine hourly sampling adds cost without improving safety in women with normal renal function.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.