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?

The nurse should prioritize administering magnesium sulfate and monitoring for signs of magnesium toxicity.

• Administering magnesium sulfate: This is crucial for preventing seizures in patients with preeclampsia, given her symptoms and elevated blood pressure.
• Monitoring for signs of magnesium toxicity: Essential when administering magnesium sulfate, as it can have serious side effects.

Choice A rationale

Goodell's sign is the softening of the cervix, usually occurring around the fourth to sixth week of pregnancy. It indicates early pregnancy but does not relate to the symptoms described by the client.

Choice B rationale

Lightening refers to the baby settling deeper into the pelvis, which often occurs a few weeks before labor in first-time pregnancies. This shift can make breathing easier and increase pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination and increased swelling in the lower extremities.

Choice C rationale

Hegar's sign is the softening of the lower uterine segment, typically seen around the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy. It is an early sign of pregnancy and not related to the symptoms experienced by the client near term.

Choice D rationale

Quickening is the term used to describe the first movements of the fetus felt by the mother, usually occurring around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This does not correlate with the symptoms described by the client who is near term.