Which rationale supports the nurse's assessment of a patient's magnesium level?

The electrolyte is the most abundant intracellular cation present in the body.

The electrolyte may cause extracellular fluid overload.

Magnesium may affect neuromuscular excitability and contractility.

The patient is at risk for hypotension when the levels of magnesium decrease.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

While magnesium is indeed the most abundant intracellular cation in the body, this fact alone does not explain why the nurse would assess the patient's magnesium level.

Choice B rationale:

Magnesium imbalance can cause issues in the extracellular fluid compartment, but this choice does not explain why the nurse would specifically assess the patient's magnesium level.

Choice D rationale:

While hypotension can be a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency, this choice does not provide a rationale for assessing the patient's magnesium level. In this case, choice C is correct because magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular excitability and contractility. Abnormal magnesium levels can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. Additionally, magnesium is involved in cardiac muscle function, and low magnesium levels can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac issues. Therefore, assessing the patient's magnesium level is essential in understanding their neuromuscular and cardiac health.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The patient's symptoms of leg pain that worsens at night and occurs when the legs are elevated but improves when they are dangled are indicative of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) PAD is a condition caused by the narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis. This narrowing restricts blood flow to the muscles, causing pain, especially during activities or positions that demand increased blood flow like walking or elevating the legs.

Choice B rationale:

Lymphatic obstruction typically does not cause pain in the same manner described by the patient. Lymphatic obstruction may cause swelling and discomfort, but it usually does not lead to pain that worsens with elevation and improves with dangling.

Choice C rationale:

Chronic venous insufficiency can cause leg pain and swelling, especially when standing for extended periods. However, the characteristic of pain worsening at night and with leg elevation points more towards arterial issues like PAD rather than venous insufficiency.

Choice D rationale:

Musculoskeletal abnormalities could cause localized pain, but the pattern described by the patient (worsening at night, relief with dangling) is not typical of musculoskeletal issues. PAD, on the other hand, often presents with these specific symptoms due to compromised blood flow to the muscles in the legs.

A. Fatigue. B. Dizziness. C. Palpitations. D. Cluster headaches.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Fatigue can be a symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can strain the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output and inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues, which can result in fatigue.

Choice B rationale:

Dizziness is a common symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the inner ear to rupture or leak, leading to dizziness and balance issues.

Choice C rationale:

Palpitations, which are sensations of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats, can occur in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension can lead to changes in the structure and function of the heart, causing palpitations.

Choice D rationale:

Cluster headaches are not directly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in clusters, often at the same time of day for several weeks. These headaches are not a typical symptom of hypertension.

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Which rationale supports the nurse's assessment of a patient's magnesium level?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient reports leg pain that awakens the patient at night.The patient reports that the same pain develops in the legs when they are elevated and disappears when the legs are dangled.Which condition would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse provides education to a patient about the symptoms of uncontrolled hypertension.Which symptom would the nurse include? Select all that apply.One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

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