A physician ordered magnesium sulfate 2 grams per hour for a maintenance dose. There are 40 grams of magnesium sulfate in 1 liter of lactated Ringers solution.
What is the rate per hour to administer the maintenance dose?
10 mL/hr
25 mL/hr
50 mL/hr
100 mL/hr
100 mL/hr
The Correct Answer is C
the correct rate to administer the maintenance dose is 50 mL/hr.
Step 1: Determine the concentration of magnesium sulfate in the solution.
- There are 40 grams of magnesium sulfate in 1 liter of solution.
- 1 liter = 1000 mL.
Step 2: Calculate the concentration in grams per mL.
- 40 grams ÷ 1000 mL = 0.04 grams per mL.
- Result: 0.04 grams per mL.
Step 3: Determine the required dose per hour.
- The physician ordered 2 grams per hour.
Step 4: Calculate the volume of solution needed to provide 2 grams of magnesium sulfate.
- Required dose (2 grams) ÷ concentration (0.04 grams per mL) = volume in mL.
- 2 grams ÷ 0.04 grams per mL = 50 mL.
- Result: 50 mL.
- The calculated rate is 50 mL/hr.
the correct rate to administer the maintenance dose is 50 mL/hr.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should administer 60 mL of the supplement in a day.
This answer is correct because it is based on a simple unit conversion and multiplication calculation. The nurse can convert 60 mEq to 20 mL by using the ratio given on the botle label, as follows:
30 mEq / 10 mL = 60 mEq / x mL
Cross-multiplying and solving for x gives:
x = 20 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 20 mL of the supplement to deliver 60 mEq of the medication to the patient. Since the order is for three times a day, the nurse should multiply 20 mL by 3 to get the total daily dose, which is 60 mL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This instruction should be given to the patient for the effective management of asthma because the patient is taking an overdose of ipratropium, which may cause serious side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, or increased heart rate. The recommended dosage of ipratropium for adults with acute asthma is 0.5 mg (500 mcg) every 20 minutes for three doses, followed by 0.5 mg every two to four hours as needed³. The patient's prescribed dose is 5 mg/kg, which means 300 mg/day for a 60 kg patient. This is 10 times the maximum daily dose of 2 mg (2000 mcg) for ipratropium⁴. Therefore, the patient should halve the dose of medication to 150 mg/day, which is still higher than the usual dosage, but within the range that can be given under medical supervision.
The other options are not appropriate instructions because:
a) Continuing the same dose of medication may worsen the patient's condition and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
b) Changing to alternative medication may not be necessary or effective, as ipratropium is a commonly used bronchodilator for asthma that works by relaxing the airway muscles and improving airflow⁵. The patient may benefit from adjusting the dose or adding other medications, such as corticosteroids or beta-agonists, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
c) Doubling the dose of medication may be dangerous and potentially fatal, as it may cause severe anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, increased heart rate, confusion, or coma.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.