Antidote of magnesium sulphate is?

Appeared in: HPSSSB Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Calcium gluconate is the specific antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Calcium acts as a direct physiological antagonist to magnesium, particularly at the neuromuscular junction.
It rapidly reverses the life-threatening symptoms of magnesium toxicity, such as respiratory depression and loss of deep tendon reflexes, by restoring normal muscle and nerve cell excitability.

Option B: Diazepam is an anticonvulsant, not an antidote for magnesium. It does not reverse the effects of magnesium and can worsen CNS and respiratory depression.
Option C: Calcium chloride is highly irritating to veins and is not the first-line choice. It contains more elemental calcium but carries a higher risk of tissue damage if extravasation occurs.
Option D: Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic used for pain management. It has no effect on magnesium levels or its toxicity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidote for Magnesium Sulfate Toxicity as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Magnesium sulfate is a high-alert medication. Nurses must have the antidote, calcium gluconate, readily available at the patient's bedside before starting the infusion.
Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and urine output is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent severe toxicity.
Patient safety depends on the nurse's ability to recognize early signs of toxicity and intervene immediately by stopping the infusion and administering the antidote as ordered.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct factual recall question from pharmacology.
First, identify the drug in the question: Magnesium Sulfate.
Second, recall the common uses and potential toxicities of this drug. It's frequently used in obstetrics for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
Third, access your knowledge base for specific antidotes. The antidote for magnesium sulfate is a key piece of safety information.
Evaluate the options. Calcium gluconate is the known antagonist. Differentiate it from calcium chloride (less safe for peripheral IV) and rule out unrelated drugs like Diazepam (anticonvulsant) and Nalbuphine (opioid).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qr_my-UDBcfXUpfAP3eMKV

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 212-214

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 157-159

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 67-69

Practise the full HPSSSB Staff Nurse - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.