A nurse is preparing to administer esomeprazole 20 mg IV bolus in 100 mL 5% dextrose in water for a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Available is esomeprazole 40 mg/5 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse add to the 5% dextrose in water? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. Administer calcium gluconate: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, but it should be given after stopping the infusion and assessing the client’s respiratory status. Immediate discontinuation takes priority.

B. Discontinue the infusion: Difficulty breathing indicates a potential magnesium sulfate toxicity or respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening emergency. The first action is to stop the infusion to prevent further accumulation.

C. Assess the fetal heart rate: Monitoring the fetus is important, but maternal safety takes priority over fetal assessment in a potential toxic reaction. Stabilizing the mother comes first.

D. Obtain the client's magnesium level: Lab assessment is useful for confirming toxicity, but it should not delay immediate intervention. Stopping the infusion takes precedence over obtaining levels.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Obtain IV access: The client has hypotension (BP 90/50 mm Hg), tachycardia (HR 118/min), and significant anemia (Hgb 9.1 g/dL, Hct 27%), all of which suggest possible active gastrointestinal bleeding. Establishing IV access is a priority to allow rapid fluid resuscitation or blood product administration as needed.
• Prepare for a blood transfusion: Given the positive hemoccult stool, anemia, and vital sign changes, the client may require a blood transfusion to restore hemodynamic stability and oxygen-carrying capacity. Preparing for transfusion ensures timely intervention in case of worsening blood loss.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Call the surgical suite to notify that the client is arriving STAT: While the client is scheduled for endoscopy, immediate stabilization takes priority over notifying the surgical suite. The client’s hemodynamic status must be addressed first to prevent deterioration.
• Recheck the client's oxygen saturation: The client’s oxygen saturation is 98% on room air, which is within normal limits. Rechecking is not immediately necessary and does not address the urgent need for stabilization.
• Place the client in a supine position with feet elevated: Although elevating the feet can help improve perfusion temporarily, it does not treat the underlying anemia or hypotension and is less urgent than establishing IV access and preparing for transfusion.
• Offer oral fluids: Oral intake is contraindicated in a client at risk for endoscopy and possible GI bleeding. Fluids could increase the risk of aspiration and do not address hemodynamic instability.
• Administer PRN antacids: Antacids may provide minor symptom relief but do not treat active blood loss or stabilize the client before endoscopy.
• Document vital signs: Documentation is important but secondary to immediate interventions that address the client’s hypotension and potential hemorrhage.