According to the Pritchard regimen used in India for eclampsia, what is the correct loading dose of magnesium sulfate?
- A 2 g intravenously over 20 minutes followed by 1 g per hour infusion
- B 4 g intravenously slowly plus 10 g intramuscularly, 5 g into each buttock ✓
- C 6 g intramuscularly as a single dose followed by 5 g four hourly
- D 4 g intramuscularly plus 6 g intravenously infused over 24 hours
Correct answer: B. 4 g intravenously slowly plus 10 g intramuscularly, 5 g into each buttock
Explanation
The Pritchard regimen gives a loading dose of 4 g of 20% magnesium sulfate intravenously slowly over 5 minutes, together with 10 g of 50% solution intramuscularly divided between each buttock. Maintenance is 5 g intramuscularly four hourly in alternate buttocks, continued for 24 hours after the last seizure. The Zuspan regimen uses only the intravenous route, and option A resembles a modified infusion protocol rather than the classical Pritchard loading dose examined in Indian exams.
Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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