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 breastfeeding more frequently can be beneficial for the mother-infant bonding and milk production, it does not directly address the infant’s weight loss.

Choice B rationale

Monitoring the neonate’s stool and urine output for the last 24 hours can provide information about the infant’s hydration status. However, it does not directly address the concern of weight loss.

Choice C rationale

It is normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. This is often due to the loss of excess fluid. A weight loss of up to 10% of the birth weight is generally considered normal in the first week.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to verify the accuracy of the weight measurement, informing the healthcare provider is not the immediate action required if the weight loss is within the normal range.

Choice A rationale

While swaddling the infant in a warm blanket can help maintain body temperature, it does not address the underlying issue causing the symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Documenting the findings in the record is important, but it is not the immediate action that should be taken. The newborn’s symptoms suggest a possible health issue that needs immediate attention.

Choice C rationale

Placing a pulse oximeter on the infant’s heel can provide information about the newborn’s oxygen saturation, but it does not address the immediate concern of the symptoms presented.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is the correct action. The symptoms presented by the newborn such as jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry can be signs of hypoglycemia, a condition that can occur in newborns.