Magnesium Imbalances Flashcards
Magnesium function
Electrolyte that helps stabilize cardiac and smooth muscle cells
Word for elevated serum magnesium
Hypermagnesemia
Word for low serum magnesium
Hypomagnesemia
Hypermagnesemia causes
- Renal failure with increased magnesium intake (most common)
- Too much IV magnesium (sometimes given to pregnant women)
Most common cause of hypermagnesemia
Renal failure + increased magnesium intake (i.e., CKD patient taking Maalox)
Hypomagnesemia causes
GI tract fluid losses (i.e., nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, NG suction)
Malnourishment (low intake, prolonged malnutrition, chronic alcohol use)
How chronic alcohol use can cause hypomagnesemia
Chronic alcohol use -> inadequate nutritional intake/malnourishment -> low magnesium
Hypermagnesemia manifestations
Think nerves and muscles SLOWING DOWN
Hypermagnesemia manifestations
Lethargy, drowsiness, muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)–think nerves and muscles slowing down
Hypermagnesemia nursing care-what to do if magnesium high
Avoid magnesium-containing drugs and foods high in magnesium
Force fluids (FF) to promote urinary excretions IF kidneys are healthy
Dialysis for CKD patients
IV calcium gluconate IF SYMPTOMATIC (IV calcium gluconate opposes effects of excess Mg on cardiac muscle)
Examples of magnesium-containing drugs
Maalox, Mylanta
Examples of foods high in magnesium
Green vegetables, nuts, bananas, oranges, peanut butter, chocolate
Should you force fluids in CKD patients to promote urination to remove excess magnesium
No-only force fluids if kidneys are ok
When do you give IV calcium gluconate for hypermagnesemia
When the patient is symptomatic
What are two different electrolyte imbalances that both cause nerves and muscles to rev up
Hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia
Hypomagnesemia manifestations
Revved up nerves and muscles: Confusion Muscle cramps Tremors Seizure Vertigo (dizziness) Hyperactive DTRs Positive Chvostek's/Trousseau's signs Increased pulse and BP Cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypomagnesemia nursing care (treat cause/symptoms)
ORAL Mg replacement (with Mylanta or magnesium sulfate)
IV magnesium sulfate
Should IV magnesium sulfate be given quickly or slowly
Must replace Mg SLOWLY over several days when using IV magnesium sulfate
Can you IV push magnesium sulfate if necessary
Yes, but rapid infusion can cause severe hypotension
What can rapid infusion/IV push of magnesium sulfate cause
Severe hypotension
What should you closely monitor when giving magnesium sulfate IV push
Blood pressure (rapid infusion can cause severe hypotension)