A patient on the high-risk OB unit is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse notes that her magnesium level is 14 mEq/L. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?
A.
Bring the crash cart to the patient's room.
B.
Document the findings in the woman's chart.
C.
Order another blood level in 6 hours.
D.
Prepare to administer calcium gluconate.
ANS: D
This woman's magnesium level has nearly reached the level associated with respiratory arrest. The nurse should prepare to administer the antidote, 10% calcium gluconate. The nurse should have someone else bring the crash cart into the room in case respiratory arrest does occur. Documentation is important, but this needs to be done after the woman is cared for. Additional magnesium levels will be drawn, but ordering them now instead of treating the patient is an inappropriate action.
You might also like to view...
Which journal is most likely to publish a report on the findings of a recent study on patient compliance with low-sodium diets?
a. (The) American Journal of Nursing b. Applied Nursing Research c. Diabetic Educator d. Nursing 2010
The nurse initiates which of the following interventions to assist with temperature stabilization of the newborn? Select all that are appropriate
A) Dry the newborn with a warm blanket. B) Place a hat on the newborn's head. C) Place the naked newborn on the mother's bare chest. D) Give the newborn a warm bath. E) Massage the infant's skin.
The process of changing the chemical composition of the drugs to protect the body from foreign
chemicals is called biotransformation. Alteration in which organ would greatly affect this process? A. liver B. kidney C. stomach D. large intestines
The person with narcissistic personality disorder lacks:
a. resources b. empathy c. money d. intelligence