A nurse assesses four patients. Which patient has greatest risk for hypomagnesemia?

A) A client who has had a cerebrovascular accident:
Clients who have had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) often suffer from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) due to impaired muscle control or sensory deficits. This makes them more susceptible to aspiration, as food or liquid can enter the airway instead of the esophagus.

B) A client who has had radiation therapy for head and neck cancer:
Radiation therapy in the head and neck area can cause damage to tissues, leading to mucositis, fibrosis, and reduced salivary flow, all of which can impair swallowing function. This increases the risk of aspiration because the normal mechanisms that protect the airway during swallowing may be compromised.

C) A client who is 4 hr postoperative following a leg amputation with general anesthesia:
General anesthesia can depress the gag and cough reflexes and impair coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing, making it more difficult for the client to protect their airway. This increased risk of aspiration is particularly relevant in the immediate postoperative period when the effects of anesthesia may still be present.

D) A client who has lactose intolerance:
Lactose intolerance primarily affects the digestive system and does not directly impact the mechanics of swallowing or increase the risk of aspiration. This condition leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain when consuming lactose-containing foods, but it does not increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway during eating.

E) A client who has had prolonged diarrhea:
Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but it does not directly affect the swallowing mechanism or increase the risk of aspiration. The primary concern with prolonged diarrhea is fluid and electrolyte management rather than an increased risk of aspiration during eating.

A. A client who has stage IV breast cancer and is expected to live 3 months:
This client is eligible for hospice care because they have a terminal illness (stage IV breast cancer) with a prognosis of less than six months to live if the disease follows its typical course. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life in the final months of life.

B. A client who has a diagnosis of COPD and requires supplemental oxygen:
This client is not automatically eligible for hospice care based solely on a COPD diagnosis and the need for supplemental oxygen. Eligibility for hospice would require a prognosis of six months or less to live if the disease follows its usual course. More specific criteria, such as frequent hospitalizations or a significant decline in functional status, would need to be met.

C. A client who has end-stage kidney disease and has stopped dialysis:
This client is eligible for hospice care because stopping dialysis typically indicates that the client has a limited life expectancy, usually measured in weeks to months. Hospice care can help manage symptoms and provide support for end-of-life care.

D. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is on an insulin pump:
This client is not eligible for hospice care based solely on the presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus and the use of an insulin pump. Hospice care eligibility is generally for clients with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course.

E. A client who has terminal lung cancer and has discontinued all treatment:
This client is eligible for hospice care because they have a terminal illness (lung cancer) and have chosen to discontinue curative treatment. Hospice care focuses on palliative treatment to improve the quality of life and manage symptoms during the end-of-life stage.