A labor and delivery patient with preeclampsia is most likely to show which laboratory finding?

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and often accompanied by significant proteinuria and, in some cases, edema. It typically occurs around the 20th week of gestation and can lead to severe complications if not monitored correctly. In managing preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate is commonly administered to prevent seizures, which is a known complication of the condition.

The administration of magnesium sulfate can lead to increased levels of magnesium in the blood, resulting in hypermagnesemia. This effect aligns with the laboratory finding associated with the management of a labor and delivery patient with preeclampsia. Monitoring magnesium levels is crucial because excess magnesium can have serious effects, including respiratory depression and cardiac issues.

Other laboratory findings typically observed in preeclampsia do not favor the proposed alternatives. While alterations in potassium, calcium, and sodium levels may occur in various conditions, hypermagnesemia specifically relates to the treatment protocol associated with preeclampsia, making it the expected finding in this context.