Question

A patient who is a chronic alcoholic is admitted to the hospital. Admission laboratory work reveals a magnesium level of 1.2 mEq/L. The prescriber orders intravenous magnesium sulfate in a 10% solution at a rate of 10 mL/min. What will the nurse do?

a. Administer the IV dose as ordered and have calcium gluconate on hand.

b. Administer the IV dose and make preparations for mechanical ventilation.

c. Hold the IV dose until the infusion rate has been clarified with the provider.

d. Request an order for renal function tests before administering the IV dose

Answer 1

The nurse will administer the IV dose as ordered and have calcium gluconate on hand. The use of magnesium sulfate will help raise the magnesium level in the patient. Calcium gluconate is important to counteract potential adverse effects of magnesium sulfate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse will administer the IV dose as ordered and have calcium gluconate on hand. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used to treat hypomagnesemia. The patient's magnesium level of 1.2 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating a deficiency. Administering IV magnesium sulfate will help to raise the magnesium level. However, as an alcoholic patient, the use of magnesium sulfate may increase the risk of adverse effects such as respiratory depression. Therefore, having calcium gluconate on hand is essential in case it is needed to counteract the potential adverse effects of the magnesium sulfate.