A patient with severe pre-eclampsia is started on magnesium sulfate via the Pritchard regimen. What is the recommended total loading dose and route of administration for the initial bolus in this regimen?

• A 2 grams IV over 5 minutes
• B 5 grams IM in each buttock only
• C 6 grams IV over 20 minutes
• D 4 grams IV over 15 minutes plus 10 grams deep IM ✓

Explanation

The Pritchard regimen consists of a 4 gram intravenous loading dose given over 15 minutes, followed immediately by 10 grams of 50% magnesium sulfate deep intramuscularly (5 grams in each buttock). This achieves a rapid therapeutic serum magnesium level.

Reference: High Risk Pregnancy: Management Options, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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