The healthcare provider prescribes magnesium sulfate 4 grams intravenously (IV) to be infused over 20 minutes for a client with preeclampsia.

The IV bag contains magnesium sulfate 20 grams in dextrose 5% in water 500 mL. How many mL/hour should the nurse program the infusion pump?

Choice A rationale

While the estimated amount of fluid can provide some information about the volume of amniotic fluid lost, it is not the most critical piece of information. The amount of fluid can vary and does not necessarily indicate the progression of labor.

Choice B rationale

Any odor noted when the membranes ruptured can be a sign of infection. However, this is not the most crucial information to obtain immediately as it does not directly impact the management of labor.

Choice C rationale

The time the membranes ruptured is the most important information to obtain. This is because the risk of infection increases the longer the time between membrane rupture and delivery.

Knowing the time of rupture helps guide decisions about inducing labor and administering antibiotics to prevent infection.

Choice D rationale

The color and consistency of the fluid can provide information about the presence of meconium or blood, which could indicate fetal distress or placental problems. However, this is not the most critical information to obtain immediately.

Choice A rationale

While it’s true that phytonadione, also known as vitamin K, plays a role in the immune system, this is not the primary reason it is given to newborns. Therefore, this statement does not show an understanding of why the medication is being given.

Choice B rationale

Phytonadione does not aid an immature liver. It is necessary for the synthesis of certain proteins required for blood clotting. However, it does not directly aid the liver’s function.

Choice C rationale

This is the correct statement. Phytonadione is given to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disorders, specifically vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Newborns are at risk for VKDB because their gut does not yet have the bacteria necessary to produce vitamin K5.

Choice D rationale

While it’s true that vitamin K is obtained from dietary intake, newborns do not receive phytonadione to compensate for insufficient dietary intake. They receive it to prevent VKDB, a bleeding disorder caused by vitamin K deficiency.