A patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is given 60 mEq over a 12-hour period, and a repeat potassium level is obtained after the bolus. The current potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following should now be considered?
a. Stopping the patient's Aldactone
b. Drawing a serum magnesium level
c. Rechecking the potassium level
d. Monitoring the patient's urinary output
B
A total serum magnesium concentration below 1.5 mEq/L defines hypomagnesemia. It is commonly associated with other electrolyte imbalances, most notably alterations in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Low serum magnesium levels can result from many causes.
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