A client is taking medications that include digoxin, baby aspirin, K-Dur, and Lasix. The client complains of muscle cramps and facial tics

The nurse discovers the client has positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, has hypotension, and is confused. If the client is exhibiting signs of hypomagnesemia, which of these findings would the nurse also expect the client to exhibit? a. elevated serum calcium and potassium levels
b. decreased serum calcium and potassium levels
c. impaired acid-base balance
d. bradycardia and cardiac dysryhthmias


B
Magnesium, found in intracellular fluid and in combination with calcium and phosphorus in bone, muscle, and soft tissue, is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Normal range of serum magnesium is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. Hypomagnesemia, a serum magnesium level of less than 1.5 mEq/L, is most often the result of chronic alcoholism or is secondary to prescribed medications. There is a direct relationship between the levels of magnesium, potassium, and calcium; if one is decreased, the others will also be decreased.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

When pain is assessed in an infant, it is inappropriate to assess for

a. Facial expressions of pain b. Localization of pain c. Crying d. Thrashing of extremities

Nursing

To provide culturally safe and effective care, the nurse must understand:

a. when to stop giving care based on medical guidelines b. the entire cultural perspective for each client c. the need to refrain from exploring culture to avoid embarrassment d. culture-based variations in the who, what, and when of care seeking

Nursing

An infant is separated from his parents for a few minutes while the nurse weighs him. The infant seems distressed and looks around for the mother. The mother soothes the infant then the nurse is through weighing him

This type of attachment between mother and baby is most likely which of the following types of attachment? a. avoidant c. secure b. disorganized d. strange

Nursing

When preparing to start an intravenous infusion on an adult, the nurse should

A) Prepare the skin with 70% alcohol and povidone-iodine B) Apply sterile gloves before inserting the intravenous device C) Place a cold cloth over the intended site for greater access D) Place a tourniquet 2" below the selected site

Nursing