The nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulphate. The loading dose has already been given and the maintenance dose order reads 1g/hr. The drug is supplied 20g/500ml
Solve the maintenance dose to be given in ml/hr

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

A. Weight gain and shortness of breath are common symptoms of pre-eclampsia or hypertension, but they are not specific to HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets). Shortness of breath could be due to other conditions, such as pulmonary edema, but it does not directly indicate HELLP syndrome.

B. Epigastric pain and elevated liver enzymes is a classic symptom of HELLP syndrome, a severe form of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The epigastric pain is often related to liver distention due to the liver damage and elevated liver enzymes. This is a key indicator of HELLP syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.

C. Edema of hands and feet of +2 is a common finding in pregnancy-related hypertension or pre-eclampsia but is not specific to HELLP syndrome. Mild edema (such as +2) can occur in many pregnancies and does not necessarily indicate the severity of the condition.

D. Fatigue and headache are symptoms commonly seen in pre-eclampsia and may also occur in HELLP syndrome, but they are less specific compared to epigastric pain and elevated liver enzymes, which are hallmark signs of HELLP syndrome.