More questions on this topic
More questions on this topic ( 27 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypomagnesemia due to chronic alcohol use disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer magnesium sulfate IV. This is correct because magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for severe hypomagnesemia. It can rapidly increase the blood level of magnesium and correct the symptoms of deficiency.
Monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate. This is incorrect because monitoring vital signs is not a specific intervention for hypomagnesemia. However, it is important to monitor the client for signs of hypotension and bradycardia, which can occur as adverse effects of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Encourage the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables. This is correct because green leafy vegetables are rich sources of dietary magnesium. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods can help prevent or treat mild hypomagnesemia.
Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV. This is incorrect because calcium gluconate is not indicated for hypomagnesemia. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia, which can occur as a complication of hypomagnesemia. However, calcium gluconate should not be given until the magnesium level is corrected, as low magnesium can impair the response to calcium.
Assess the client for Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign. This is correct because Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign are clinical tests for neuromuscular irritability, which can occur in hypomagnesemia. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for facial twitching. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for 3 minutes and observing for carpal spasm.
Choice A reason:
Administer magnesium sulfate IV. This is correct because magnesium sulfate is the treatment of choice for severe hypomagnesemia. It can rapidly increase the blood level of magnesium and correct the symptoms of deficiency.
Choice B reason:
Monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate. This is incorrect because monitoring vital signs is not a specific intervention for hypomagnesemia. However, it is important to monitor the client for signs of hypotension and bradycardia, which can occur as adverse effects of magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice C reason:
Encourage the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables. This is correct because green leafy vegetables are rich sources of dietary magnesium. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods can help prevent or treat mild hypomagnesemia.
Choice D reason:
Prepare to administer calcium gluconate IV. This is incorrect because calcium gluconate is not indicated for hypomagnesemia. Calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia, which can occur as a complication of hypomagnesemia. However, calcium gluconate should not be given until the magnesium level is corrected, as low magnesium can impair the response to calcium.
Choice E reason:
Assess the client for Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign. This is correct because Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign are clinical tests for neuromuscular irritability, which can occur in hypomagnesemia. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for facial twitching. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for 3 minutes and observing for carpal spasm.