Hypomagnesemia Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Topic: Hypomagnesemia (Contrast with previous video on Hypermagnesemia)
• Focus: Causes, signs & symptoms, nursing interventions, and key concepts for NCLEX and nursing exams.
• Additional Resource: Free quiz on RegisteredNurseRN.com to test knowledge on Hyper vs. Hypomagnesemia.

Understanding Hypomagnesemia

• Definition: Low magnesium in the blood.
• Normal Magnesium Level: 1.6 - 2.6 mg/dL.
• Hypomagnesemia: Levels less than 1.6 mg/dL.

Role of Magnesium in the Body

• Cellular Function: Transfers and stores energy.
• Regulates Parathyroid Hormone: Influences calcium levels.
• Metabolism: Involves carbohydrates, lipids, proteins.
• Blood Pressure Regulation: Affects hypertension/hypotension based on magnesium levels.
• Absorption & Excretion:
  • Absorbed in the small intestine.
  • Excreted by kidneys.

Causes of Hypomagnesemia

• Mnemonic: "LOW MAG"
  • L: Limited Intake (e.g., starvation)
  • O: Other Electrolyte Issues (e.g., hypocalcemia, hypokalemia)
  • W: Wasting in Kidneys (e.g., diuretics like loop or thiazide)
  • M: Malabsorption (e.g., Crohn’s, celiac, vomiting, certain drugs)
  • A: Alcohol (Poor diet, stimulates kidney waste, pancreatitis)
  • G: Glycemic Issues (Diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin administration)

Signs and Symptoms

• Mnemonic: "TWITCHING"
  • T: Positive Trousseau’s Sign
  • W: Weak Respirations
  • I: Irritability
  • T: Torsades de Pointes (abnormal heart rhythm, seen in alcohol abuse)
  • C: Cardiac Changes (Tall T-waves, depressed ST segments, prolonged PR/QT intervals)
  • H: Hypertension, Hyperreflexia
  • I: Involuntary Movements
  • N: Nausea
  • G: Gastrointestinal Issues (e.g., decreased bowel mobility)

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor: Cardiac, GI, respiratory, neurostatus.
• Cardiac Monitor: Check for EKG changes.
• Supplementation:
  • Potassium supplements may be ordered if levels are low.
  • Calcium supplements with Vitamin D or Calcium Gluconate if needed.
  • Magnesium Sulfate IV infusion if magnesium levels critically low (monitor reflexes).
• Seizure Precautions: At risk for seizures.
• Oral Magnesium: Watch for diarrhea (can further decrease magnesium levels).
• Diet Recommendations:
  • Mnemonic: "Always Get Plenty Of Foods Containing Large Numbers Of Magnesium"
    • Avocado, Green leafy vegetables, Peanut butter, Pork, Oatmeal, Fish, Cauliflower, Chocolate, Legumes, Nuts, Oranges, Milk

Conclusion

• Encouragement to watch video and take the online quiz.
• Reminder to subscribe to the YouTube channel for more educational content.

These notes cover the essential points regarding hypomagnesemia, including understanding its causes, symptoms, and nursing interventions—a useful guide for nursing students preparing for exams.