A 3800 gram newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at 39 weeks with meconium aspiration.

Metoclopramide 0.1 mg/kg every 12 hours was started. On hand is Metoclopramide 0.5 mg/ml.

What is the appropriate dose the RN will administer in ml in 12 hours?

Choice A rationale

Ergonovine maleate is used to treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. It is not used to treat hypotension caused by epidural anesthesia.

Choice B rationale

Epoetin is a medication used to treat anemia by stimulating the production of red blood cells. It is not used to treat hypotension caused by epidural anesthesia.

Choice C rationale

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is used in emergency situations to treat severe allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma attacks. It is not the first-line treatment for hypotension caused by epidural anesthesia.

Choice D rationale

Ephedrine is a medication used to treat hypotension caused by epidural anesthesia. It increases blood pressure by stimulating the release of norepinephrine and improving cardiac output.

A. Administer Rh immunoglobulin (Rho(D) immune globulin): This is important if the mother is Rh-negative, but there is no indication of Rh incompatibility in this scenario.

B. Perform continuous fetal heart rate monitoring: This is essential for ongoing assessment of fetal well-being but may not be the very first immediate action.

C. Prepare for emergent delivery: This would only be necessary if there were signs of fetal or maternal distress, which are not currently indicated.

D. Administer a corticosteroid to enhance fetal lung maturity: Administering corticosteroids like betamethasone or dexamethasone is crucial between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation to enhance lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.