Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

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What unit of measurement is used when prescribing magnesium sulfate in milliequivalents?

Milliliters
Grams
Micrograms
Milliequivalents

The correct answer is: Milliequivalents

When prescribing magnesium sulfate, the correct unit of measurement is milliequivalents. This is because milliequivalents (mEq) provide a way to express the amount of a substance in relation to its chemical activity, which is particularly important for electrolytes and substances that have definitive physiological roles, such as magnesium. The use of milliequivalents allows healthcare providers to accurately convey the dose of magnesium sulfate needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while considering its physiological impact. This unit reflects the quantity of magnesium ions and their ability to combine with other ions, which is critical in clinical settings, especially in treating conditions like magnesium deficiency or managing various electrolyte imbalances. The other options do not effectively apply to the measurement of magnesium sulfate for its intended use. Milliliters measure volume, grams measure weight, and micrograms denote a smaller weight unit not typically relevant for prescribing magnesium sulfate. Therefore, milliequivalents is essential for the accuracy necessary in pharmacotherapy involving this medication.