The client should only exhale forcefully at the beginning PRIOR to actually using the inhaler. Instruction is to breathe deeply through the mouth with each inhalation, NOT short quick breaths. The nurse should instruct the client to hold the metered dose inhaler 1-2 inches from mouth (or two finger-breadths away) or use a spacer, and close mouth and hold breath for several seconds (10 seconds if possible).

Toxicity can occur so the nurse needs to have calcium gluconate, the antidote, readily available. Magnesium sulfate is given to help prevent seizures in a client with preeclampsia. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. This answer is not correct because betamethasone is a steroid given in-utero to help accelerate the maturity of the lungs of a preterm baby. If symptoms begin to occur, the health care provider should be notified and the magnesium sulfate decreased or discontinued. The nurse should monitor the client for early toxicity symptoms so the client will not experience extreme respiratory depression or respiratory or cardiac collapse. Toxicity symptoms include decreased respiratory rate, level of consciousness, and deep tendon reflexes. This answer is correct because calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. This answer is not correct because methylergometrine is an ergot alkaloid medication used to prevent hemorrhage in postpartum women, not magnesium sulfate. This answer is not correct because protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin overdose, not magnesium sulfate. Which medication would the nurse anticipate the physician to prescribe? Answers The client’s deep tendon reflexes are decreasing. The nurse finds that the client is very drowsy with a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. The nurse is caring for a pregnant client with preeclampsia who is on magnesium sulfate therapy. Pharmacology Reproductive & Maternity Meds #4 Question

Antidote for magnesium toxicity