A patient's potassium and calcium levels are below the normal range. The nurse realizes that which of the following electrolytes might also be decreased?
1. magnesium
2. sodium
3. phosphorous
4. chloride
1
Rationale: Because magnesium is mainly excreted in the feces and a small amount excreted through the urine, these mechanisms of excretion and conservation are similar to those of potassium and calcium. If the patient's potassium and calcium levels are low, the patient might also demonstrate a low magnesium level since magnesium balance is closely related to potassium and calcium balance. The phosphorous level might be elevated since phosphorous has an inverse relationship to calcium. Sodium and chloride levels will not be affected.
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