What is a significant indication of successful treatment in magnesium sulfate therapy?

In magnesium sulfate therapy, particularly when administered for conditions like eclampsia or severe preeclampsia, a significant indication of successful treatment is increased urinary output. This outcome suggests that the kidneys are functioning properly and that the magnesium sulfate is not causing adverse effects like renal impairment.

Magnesium sulfate acts as a neuroprotectant and is also used to prevent seizures in pregnant women. Monitoring urinary output is crucial because it reflects the patient's fluid status and kidney function. If the treatment is effective, the patient should have a regulated output, signaling that the therapy is not inducing toxicity or compromising renal function.

In the context of the other options, pulmonary edema indicates fluid overload, which can be a complication of magnesium sulfate therapy rather than a sign of success. Decreased urination could suggest that the kidneys are not processing fluids effectively, potentially indicating toxicity. Increased reflexes are often seen in magnesium deficiency or may indicate a lack of adequate magnesium levels, hence not aligning with success in therapy. Thus, increased urinary output is the most reliable and significant indicator of successful therapy with magnesium sulfate.