Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

For a 9-month pregnant patient experiencing seizures due to eclampsia, what is the frontline drug of choice?

1. Magnesium Sulfate

2. Labetalol

3. Hydralazine

4. Furosemide

The correct answer is: Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium Sulfate is recognized as the frontline drug for managing seizures associated with eclampsia in pregnant patients. Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by the onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, which involves high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. The use of Magnesium Sulfate works by acting as a central nervous system depressant and helps to stabilize the neuroexcitable state in the patient, effectively reducing the occurrence of seizures. Magnesium Sulfate also has protective properties for the fetus, which is essential in the management of pregnant patients. The administration of this medication can decrease seizure activity, ultimately improving outcomes for both mother and baby. The other options listed, while important in managing pregnancy-related hypertension and other conditions, do not directly address the acute management of seizures resulting from eclampsia. Labetalol and Hydralazine are used to control high blood pressure but do not have anticonvulsant properties. Furosemide is a diuretic that may not be appropriate in this situation as it does not address the seizure issue and might lead to further complications. Thus, Magnesium Sulfate is the appropriate choice for treating seizures in a pregnant patient with eclampsia.