A patient receiving magnesium sulfate becomes drowsy, has absent patellar reflexes and a respiratory rate of 8 per minute. Which medicine should the nurse prepare as prescribed?
Correct answer: A. Calcium gluconate
- A. Calcium gluconate
- B. Sodium bicarbonate
- C. Potassium chloride
- D. Regular insulin
Explanation
Absent reflexes and respiratory depression indicate magnesium toxicity. Calcium gluconate antagonises the neuromuscular and cardiac effects of magnesium, while the other medicines do not reverse this toxicity.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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