A nurse is preparing to administer three medications to a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding through an NG tube.
Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale:

Give the client protamine if signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity occur. Protamine is not the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride is used to counteract the effects of magnesium sulfate toxicity by antagonizing the action of magnesium on the neuromuscular junction and the heart.

Choice B rationale:

Monitor the FHR via Doppler every 30 min. While fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is important during magnesium sulfate infusion due to the risk of fetal distress, using Doppler every 30 minutes may not provide continuous and accurate monitoring. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is the standard of care in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Restrict the client's total fluid intake to 250 mL/hr. Magnesium sulfate is excreted by the kidneys, so maintaining adequate urine output is crucial to prevent magnesium toxicity. Restricting fluid intake to 250 mL/hr would likely reduce urine output, leading to an increased risk of magnesium sulfate accumulation in the body, which could be harmful.

Choice D rationale:

Measure the client's urine output every hour. Monitoring urine output is essential during magnesium sulfate infusion as it helps assess renal function and magnesium excretion. Adequate urine output (at least 30 mL/hr) is necessary to prevent magnesium toxicity. Therefore, measuring the client's urine output every hour is a critical nursing intervention to ensure the safety of the client.

Choice A rationale:

A client who received a Mantoux test 48 hr ago and has an induration does not require immediate follow-up care. An induration at the injection site indicates a positive reaction, but further evaluation and management are necessary, not urgent.

Choice B rationale:

A client taking warfarin with an INR of 1.8 requires follow-up care. The normal range for INR in a client taking warfarin is usually 2.0 to 3.0. An INR of 1.8 suggests inadequate anticoagulation, putting the client at risk of thromboembolic events. Dose adjustment or other interventions are needed to bring the INR within the therapeutic range.

Choice C rationale:

A client scheduled for a colonoscopy and taking sodium phosphate does not necessarily require immediate follow-up care. However, sodium phosphate can cause electrolyte imbalances, so monitoring for any signs of electrolyte disturbances is essential, but it does not mandate urgent intervention.

Choice D rationale:

A client taking bumetanide with a potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L requires follow-up care. The normal range for potassium is typically 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level below the normal range (hypokalemia) can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. The client may need potassium supplements or dietary adjustments to correct the imbalance.