Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A healthcare provider prescribes a maintenance dose of 2 grams per hour of intravenous magnesium sulfate for a client with preeclampsia. The IV bag contains 20 grams of magnesium sulfate in 500 mL of 5% dextrose in water. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump to deliver?
Correct answer
50 mL/hour
Rationale
To calculate the rate, determine the concentration: 20 grams in 500 mL equals 0.04 grams/mL. To deliver 2 grams/hour, divide 2 grams by 0.04 grams/mL, which equals 50 mL/hour.