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

In a situation where a client at 28 weeks gestation is in preterm labor and it is not expected that the fetus will survive after delivery, the nurse’s initial action should be to contact spiritual support services. This can provide much-needed emotional and spiritual support to the client during this difficult time.

Choice B rationale

While providing information about an autopsy might be necessary at some point, it should not be the initial action. The first response should be focused on providing emotional support.

Choice C rationale

Discussing neonatal resuscitation options might not be appropriate in this scenario, especially if it’s not expected that the fetus will survive. The initial focus should be on providing emotional support.

Choice D rationale

Contacting the organ donation organization is not the initial action to take in this situation. The first response should be providing emotional and spiritual support to the client.

Choice A rationale

A client at 32 weeks gestation reporting nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure could be showing signs of a condition called gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. This condition can affect the health of both the mother and the baby, depending on how severe the issue is. Inspecting the client’s face for edema is a relevant next step because swelling in the face, hands, or fingers is a common symptom of preeclampsia.

Choice B rationale

While headaches can be a symptom of preeclampsia, asking about a history of cluster headaches may not be the most immediate concern in this situation. Cluster headaches are a specific type of headache that is not directly related to pregnancy or preeclampsia.

Choice C rationale

Determining the frequency of headaches could be useful in assessing the client’s overall health, but it may not be the most immediate concern when the client is showing potential signs of preeclampsia.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring and timing the client’s contractions would be more relevant if the client was in labor or showing signs of preterm labor. In this case, the client’s symptoms are more indicative of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.