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 A
Explanation
A.
A. The infant's eyes turn toward the light - This is the expected finding known as the "fixation reflex," where infants naturally turn their eyes toward a light source.
B. The infant's head turns away from the light - This would not be an expected finding during a vision screening; it may suggest a different reflex or issue.
C. The infant's eyes remain focused toward the floor - This would not be an expected finding during a vision screening; it may suggest a different visual or developmental concern.
D. The infant closes their eyes - Closing the eyes in response to light is not the typical response during a vision screening for infants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A gastric residual volume of 250 mL following 2 hours of infusion may indicate potential intolerance to the feeding, but it is not necessarily an immediate emergency unless it exceeds the facility’s threshold for residuals.
B. The client lying in a supine position poses a significant risk for aspiration, especially following a laryngectomy, where airway protection is compromised. Immediate intervention is necessary to reposition the client and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
C. While the infusion pump being off is concerning, it may not require immediate intervention as long as the nurse is aware and can address it promptly.
D. Not dating the enteral feeding bag and tubing is important for infection control; however, it does not require immediate intervention compared to the risk posed by a supine position.
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