A woman is receiving magnesium sulfate as part of her treatment for severe preeclampsia. The nurse is monitoring the woman's serum magnesium levels. The nurse determines that the drug is at a therapeutic level based on which result?
8.4 mEq/L
6.1 mEq/L
10.8 mEq/L
3.3 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is B
A. 8.4 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range and may indicate magnesium toxicity. Levels greater than 7.5–8 mEq/L can lead to loss of deep tendon reflexes, and higher levels can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
B. 6.1 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for magnesium sulfate when used to treat severe preeclampsia, which is generally 4.8–8.4 mEq/L (or 4–7 mEq/L depending on the source and unit of measurement). This level is considered safe and effective for preventing seizures.
C. 10.8 mEq/L is too high and indicates magnesium toxicity, placing the patient at risk for serious complications like respiratory or cardiac arrest.
D. 3.3 mEq/L is below the therapeutic range, suggesting that the dose may be inadequate to prevent eclamptic seizures in a woman with severe preeclampsia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 25mg/hr is incorrect. The question asks for the volume in mL/hr, not the dose in milligrams per hour.
B. 25g/hr is incorrect. The ordered dose is 1g/hr, not 25g/hr.
C. 250mL/hr would provide a much higher dose than ordered, based on the concentration.
D. 25mL/hr is correct. This is the calculated volume to deliver the 1g/hr maintenance dose based on the supplied concentration. Volume= Ordered dose/ Concentration
Determine the concentration of the solution: The supplied concentration is 20g/500mL, which simplifies to 0.04g/mL (since 20g = 20,000mg and 500mL = 500mL).
Determine the ordered dose: The order is for a maintenance dose of 1g/hr.
Calculate the volume to be infused: 1/0.04= 25mL/hr
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. To enhance the clearing of the newborn's respiratory passages is not the primary reason for putting the newborn to the breast immediately. While early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are beneficial, the clearing of respiratory passages is more directly related to the initial care the baby receives (such as suctioning if necessary), not breastfeeding.
B. To aid in maturing the newborn's sucking reflex is not the main reason for immediate breastfeeding. The sucking reflex is typically well-established in most newborns by the time of birth, and breastfeeding can help reinforce it. However, the reflex is present and functional even if the baby is not immediately breastfeeding.
C. To encourage the development of maternal antibodies is important in the longer term. Breastfeeding does provide immunological benefits to the baby (like colostrum), but the immediate reason for putting the baby to the breast is more about bonding and initiating breastfeeding.
D. To facilitate maternal-infant bonding is the primary reason for encouraging early breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding immediately after birth promote emotional bonding between the mother and baby, which is beneficial for both. It also promotes the release of oxytocin in the mother, which supports uterine involution and maternal well-being.
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