Question of the Week – December 1, 2021

Rationale:

The normal magnesium level ranges from 1.8 to 2.6 mEq/L (0.74 to 1.07 mmol/L); therefore, this client is experiencing hypomagnesemia. The client should be monitored for dysrhythmias because magnesium plays an important role in myocardial nerve cell impulse conduction; thus, hypomagnesemia increases the client’s risk of ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse avoids administering phosphate in the presence of hypomagnesemia because it aggravates the condition. The nurse instructs the client to consume foods high in magnesium; ground beef, eggs, and chicken breast are low in magnesium.

Additional Info:

Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Clinical Judgment/Cognitive Skills: Take action
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Foundations of Care: Laboratory Tests
Health Codes: Adult Health: Cardiovascular: Heart Failure
Priority Concepts: Fluids and Electrolytes; Clinical Judgment