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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 50mg/hr is not the correct unit for volume, it’s the dose in milligrams.
B. 50 mL/hr is the correct volume to administer to achieve the ordered dose of 2g/hr. Determine the concentration of the solution: The supply is 10g in 250mL. This means the concentration is 10g / 250mL, or 0.04g/mL (since 10g = 10,000mg, this is equivalent to 40mg/mL). Convert the ordered dose to match the concentration: The order is for 2g/hr (which is 2,000mg/hr). Calculate the volume to be infused to deliver the desired dose: Dose = Ordered/concentration= 2000/40= 50 mL/hr
C. 5mg/mL refers to the concentration, not the rate of infusion.
D. 5 mL/hr would administer only 200mg/hr, which is much lower than the ordered dose of 2g/hr.
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