In a multigravida client with chronic hypertension who is in preterm labor, what assessment finding indicates effective magnesium sulfate therapy?

Effective magnesium sulfate therapy in the context of managing preterm labor focuses on its role as a tocolytic agent, which helps delay labor by decreasing the frequency and number of uterine contractions. In a multigravida client with chronic hypertension experiencing preterm labor, the primary goal of using magnesium sulfate is to relax the uterine muscles and thus reduce contractions.

When magnesium sulfate is effective, one would expect to observe a decrease in the frequency and intensity of these contractions, indicating that the drug is working to inhibit labor progression and prolong gestation. This effect is critical, particularly in preterm labor situations, as it allows for potential additional interventions that can improve neonatal outcomes.

While the other options present important clinical considerations, they do not directly correlate as indicators of magnesium sulfate’s effectiveness in this scenario. Monitoring fetal heart rate accelerations, maternal blood pressure, and respiratory rate are essential aspects of maternal-fetal status, but they are not the primary focus when determining the efficacy of magnesium sulfate as a tocolytic agent in the context of managing contractions during preterm labor. Thus, observing a reduction in contractions is the most relevant assessment in this situation.