A healthcare provider prescribes a maintenance dose of 2 grams per hour of intravenous magnesium sulfate for a client with preeclampsia.

The IV bag contains 20 grams of magnesium sulfate in 500 mL of 5% dextrose in water.

How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump to deliver? (Note: This is a medical math, so no options are provided.)

Choice A rationale

While acetaminophen can help reduce fever, it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms. Moreover, self-medication without proper medical advice can potentially harm the pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

The client’s symptoms of low-grade fever, moderate cramping, and heavy bright-red bleeding could indicate a serious condition such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.

Choice C rationale

While monitoring the flow of vaginal bleeding can provide useful information, it does not address the immediate need for medical evaluation given the client’s symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Resting at home might not be the best advice given the severity of the client’s symptoms. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary.

Choice A rationale

A pudendal block is a type of anesthesia that results in a loss of sensation confined to the vagina and perineum. It’s often used during the second stage of labor or for episiotomy repair.

Choice B rationale

A paracervical block provides anesthesia to the cervix and the lower part of the uterus, but it does not specifically target the vagina and perineum.

Choice C rationale

An epidural block provides a band of numbness from the bellybutton to the upper legs, allowing the patient to be awake and alert throughout labor. It’s not confined to the vagina and perineum.

Choice D rationale

A saddle block is a type of spinal anesthesia that numbs the inner thighs, buttocks, and area around the rectum (the “saddle” area), but it’s not confined to the vagina and perineum.