Electrolytes
Electrolytes ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate intravenously to a client who has preeclampsia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Dilute the medication in normal saline solution. This is incorrect because magnesium sulfate should be diluted in lactated Ringer's solution, not normal saline solution.
Infuse the medication over 10 minutes. This is incorrect because magnesium sulfate should be infused over 20 to 30 minutes.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes. This is incorrect because monitoring the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes is not enough to prevent or detect complications of preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should also monitor the client's respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, urine output, and serum magnesium levels.
Have calcium gluconate available as an antidote. This is correct because calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma. Magnesium toxicity can occur if the client has renal impairment, receives too high a dose, or has a low urine output. The nurse should have calcium gluconate readily available and administer it intravenously if signs of magnesium toxicity occur.
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Choice A reason: Dilute the medication in normal saline solution. This is incorrect because magnesium sulfate should be diluted in lactated Ringer's solution, not normal saline solution.
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Choice B reason:
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Infuse the medication over 10 minutes. This is incorrect because magnesium sulfate should be infused over 20 to 30 minutes.
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Choice C reason:
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Monitor the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes. This is incorrect because monitoring the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes is not enough to prevent or detect complications of preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should also monitor the client's respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, urine output, and serum magnesium levels.
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Choice D reason:
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Have calcium gluconate available as an antidote. This is correct because calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma. Magnesium toxicity can occur if the client has renal impairment, receives too high a dose, or has a low urine output. The nurse should have calcium gluconate readily available and administer it intravenously if signs of magnesium toxicity occur.