Antidote of MgSO4 is?

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Explanation

Calcium gluconate is the specific pharmacological antidote for magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) toxicity.
Magnesium toxicity causes depression of the central nervous system, neuromuscular blockade, and cardiac depression.
Intravenous calcium directly antagonizes the neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects of excess magnesium ions, effectively reversing the toxicity.
The standard emergency dose is typically 10 mL of a 10% calcium gluconate solution administered intravenously over several minutes.

Option B: Potassium chloride is an electrolyte supplement, not an antidote for MgSO4. It is used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Option C: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin, an anticoagulant.
Option D: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse administering MgSO4, especially in obstetrics for pre-eclampsia, must always have calcium gluconate readily available at the bedside as a safety precaution.
Key nursing assessments for MgSO4 toxicity include monitoring respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, blood pressure, and urine output. The disappearance of the patellar reflex is an early sign of toxicity.
What if? If a patient on MgSO4 develops a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min and becomes unresponsive, the nurse's priority action is to stop the infusion immediately, call for help, and prepare to administer IV calcium gluconate.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the antidote to a specific drug, MgSO4.
This is a direct factual recall question based on pharmacological knowledge.
Access your memory of common emergency drugs and their reversal agents.
Evaluate each option: Calcium gluconate is for magnesium toxicity. Potassium chloride is for hypokalemia. Protamine sulfate is for heparin. Naloxone is for opioids.
Select the option that correctly pairs the drug with its antidote.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QnlVPPBzF1b2LtrU4kOcAt

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

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 752-754

Practise the full AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

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