Question

an adult client with eclampsia is admitted to the hospital following an emergency cesarean section. the client is being managed with magnesium sulfate therapy to prevent seizures. the clients vital signs are temperature 37°c (98.6°f), pulse 85 beats per minute, respirations 18 breaths per minute, blood pressure 115/75 mmhg, and oxygen saturation 97% on room air. the ordered maintenance infusion dose of magnesium sulfate is 1.5 grams per hour. the magnesium sulfate available is prepared with a concentration of 4 grams in 100 ml of intravenous solution. the nurse is responsible for calculating the appropriate volume to administer per hour to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding the risk of magnesium toxicity. calculate the volume of magnesium sulfate (in ml) to be infused per hour. record your answer to one decimal place.

Explanation:

Step1: Set up ratio for concentration

The available solution has 4 g in 100 mL, so the concentration ratio is $\frac{100\ \text{mL}}{4\ \text{g}}$.

Step2: Calculate hourly volume

Multiply ordered dose by concentration ratio:
$1.5\ \text{g/hour} \times \frac{100\ \text{mL}}{4\ \text{g}}$

Step3: Compute final value

Simplify the expression:
$\frac{1.5 \times 100}{4} = 37.5$

Answer:

37.5