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ComplicationsGuide information (research draft)

Why magnesium treatment involves extra monitoring

Magnesium sulfate is given through an IV to help prevent seizures in some people with preeclampsia. Because it can affect breathing, reflexes and urine output, staff check you often while it runs.

Most important

Report how you feel

Tell your nurse about trouble breathing, unusual weakness, or anything that feels wrong.

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What may happen
  • Checks of breathing, reflexes (such as tapping your knee), urine output and alertness.
  • Feeling warm, flushed, tired or weak while it runs.
  • Staying in bed or getting up only with help.
Why

Magnesium helps prevent eclamptic seizures. The monitoring helps staff make sure the level in your body stays safe.

What varies

How long it runs and how often you are checked follow your hospital's policy. This page does not give doses.

We found no universal rule that you cannot eat while on magnesium. Ask your team.

Questions to ask

  • What is the magnesium for, and how long will I need it?
  • Why do you check my reflexes and urine?
  • Can I eat or drink while it is running?

Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app

Sources

Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.