A nurse is assessing a client who has a magnesium level of 4.4 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Muscle cramps
Hyperreflexia
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypotension occurs because hypermagnesemia causes vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure. Magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant, decreasing vascular resistance and contributing to hypotension. This is a common clinical finding when magnesium levels exceed the normal range.
B. Tachycardia is not expected with hypermagnesemia. Elevated magnesium levels depress the heart's electrical activity, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate) instead of tachycardia.
C. Muscle cramps are typically associated with hypomagnesemia, which increases neuromuscular excitability. In hypermagnesemia, neuromuscular function is suppressed, leading to muscle weakness rather than cramps.
D. Hyperreflexia is a symptom of hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia. In hypermagnesemia, neuromuscular activity is depressed, resulting in diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is within the expected range for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition and does not require immediate intervention.
B. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention.
C. An oral temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F) is slightly elevated but may be within the client's normal range and does not require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other signs of infection.
D. A weight increase of 2 kg (4.4 lb) in the past 24 hours indicates fluid overload, which can lead to complications such as heart failure or pulmonary edema. Immediate intervention, such as adjusting the rate of fluid administration or notifying the healthcare provider, is necessary to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While a blood pressure of 156/90 mm Hg may be elevated, it is not necessarily an indication to withhold propranolol, which is commonly used to treat hypertension.
B. A pulse rate of 54/min suggests bradycardia, which is a potential side effect of propranolol and may warrant withholding the medication.
C. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and is not typically a reason to withhold propranolol.
D. A sodium level of 130 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and is not typically a reason to withhold propranolol.
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