Question

A type 1 diabetic mother is on magnesium sulfate infusion post – cesarean section for preeclampsia. She develops delirium and is drowsy. She has a respiratory rate of 10/min, random blood glucose level of 240 mg / dL, oliguria, and bilaterally absent knee reflex. What is the cause of her condition?

• A. Magnesium sulfate toxicity
• B. Diabetic ketoacidosis
• C. Eclampsia
• D. Diabetes insipidus

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In this scenario, we need to determine the cause of the patient's condition by evaluating the symptoms and the context provided.

The patient is a type 1 diabetic mother who is receiving magnesium sulfate infusion post-cesarean section for preeclampsia. Among the symptoms she exhibits are:

• Delirium and drowsiness
• Low respiratory rate (10/min)
• Random blood glucose level of 240 mg/dL
• Oliguria
• Bilaterally absent knee reflexes

Let's analyze each option:

1. Magnesium sulfate toxicity: The symptoms of magnesium toxicity include central nervous system depression (drowsiness, delirium), suppression of reflexes (absent knee reflex), muscle weakness, and respiratory depression (reduced respiratory rate). The oliguria might occur due to reduced renal clearance. These symptoms strongly match those of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
2. Diabetic ketoacidosis: Although she is diabetic, DKA is characterized by high blood glucose levels, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which are not primarily shown here.
3. Eclampsia: This involves seizure activity in a preeclamptic patient. The patient does not have seizures, so this is unlikely.
4. Diabetes insipidus: This condition leads to polyuria and excessive thirst, which does not align with oliguria or the other symptoms.

Based on the symptoms and conditions described, the most likely cause of the patient's condition is Magnesium sulfate toxicity.