A nurse is caring for a client who has a magnesium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
Calcium gluconate
Calcitonin
Magnesium oxide
Magnesium sulphate
The Correct Answer is A
A client with a magnesium level of 3.2 mEq/L has a higher-than-normal magnesium level, indicating hypermagnesemia. The nurse should expect to administer calcium gluconate.
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for hypermagnesemia, as it works to antagonize the effects of magnesium on the body. By administering calcium gluconate, the nurse can help counteract the effects of excess magnesium and normalize the client's magnesium levels.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Calcitonin: Calcitonin is not used to treat hypermagnesemia. Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It is used in certain conditions, such as hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), but it is not indicated for hypermagnesemia.
C. Magnesium oxide: Magnesium oxide is a form of magnesium supplement, and it is not appropriate for a client with hypermagnesemia, as it would further increase the magnesium level, exacerbating the condition.
D. Magnesium sulphate: Magnesium sulfate is also not appropriate for a client with hypermagnesemia, as it would further elevate the magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium sulfate is often used to treat magnesium deficiency or as a tocolytic agent to prevent premature labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should include lightheadedness as an adverse effect in the teaching for a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat various conditions, including hypertension and certain heart conditions. One of the common side effects of beta-blockers is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness when the client stands up from a sitting or lying position.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In fact, atenolol is used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate.
C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with anticholinergic medications rather than beta-blockers like atenolol.
D. Bronchodilation: Bronchodilation is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In contrast, atenolol can cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) in some individuals, particularly those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat urinary incontinence. One of the adverse effects of anticholinergic medications is the potential for bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Anticholinergic medications can inhibit the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate. Therefore, it is important to assess the client for signs of bradycardia after an unintended higher dose of oxybutynin.
Increased salivation (A) is not an expected adverse effect of oxybutynin. In fact, anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin often have the opposite effect, causing dry mouth and reduced salivation.
Hyperthermia (B) is not a typical adverse effect of oxybutynin. It is more commonly associated with other conditions or medications.
Urinary incontinence (C) is the condition that oxybutynin is intended to treat. It is not an adverse effect but rather the therapeutic effect of the medication.

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