Question

A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate 2g/hr IV to a client who is in preterm labor. Available is 20g in 500mL of dextrose 5% in water (D5W). The nurse should set the pump to administer how many mL/hr?

A. 40 mL/hr
B. 50 mL/hr
C. 60 mL/hr
D. 70 mL/hr

Answer 1

To administer magnesium sulfate 2g/hr IV, the nurse should set the pump to administer 50 mL/hr.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the mL/hr for administering magnesium sulfate 2g/hr IV, we need to find the concentration of magnesium sulfate in the available solution. The available solution contains 20g of magnesium sulfate in 500mL of D5W, which is a 5% solution of dextrose (glucose) in water. To find the concentration of magnesium sulfate, we can use the formula:

Concentration = (Mass of solute / Volume of solution) x 100

Concentration = (20g / 500mL) x 100 = 4%

Since the nurse needs to administer 2g/hr of magnesium sulfate, the mL/hr can be calculated using the formula:

mL/hr = (Amount to be administered / Concentration) x 100

mL/hr = (2g/hr / 4%) x 100

mL/hr = 50 mL/hr