Hypomagnesemia Lecture Notes

Overview

• Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels in the blood (<1.3 mg/dL).
• Magnesium's role: Maintains law and order in muscles, acting like a sheriff by calming them down, especially in the uterus and heart.
• Essential for calcium and vitamin D absorption, healthy immune system, strong bones, and stabilizing blood glucose levels.

Causes of Hypomagnesemia (Acronym: CRAY)

1. C: Consumption of alcohol in excess
   • Inhibits magnesium absorption in the GI tract.
2. R: Really large fluid loss
   • NG suctioning, vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics (fluids flow, electrolytes go).
3. A: Antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides).
4. Y: Young mothers at high risk for malnutrition (dietary deficiencies).

Signs and Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia

Cardiovascular (Heart Going Buck Wild)

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
• Cardiac dysrhythmias: Prolonged PR and QT intervals, ST segment depression, T-way inversions.
• Severe cases: Torsades de Pointes (dangerous), ventricular fibrillation (v-fib).

Respiratory

• Difficulty breathing and rapid, shallow respirations.

Gastrointestinal

• Massive diarrhea.

Neurological

• Confusion, irritability, insomnia, seizures.

Neuromuscular

• Increased deep tendon reflexes (hyperreflexia), clonus.
• Muscle twitching, numbness (paresthesia).

Nursing Interventions (Acronym: SIM)

1. S: Safety with swallowing
   • Patients at risk for aspiration (choking).
2. I: IV Magnesium Sulfate
   • Administer slowly to avoid hypermagnesemia (excess magnesium).
3. M: Monitor respiratory status and hyperreflexia (clonus).

Diet High in Magnesium (Acronym: CAMP ON BANANAS)

• C: Chocolate, cauliflower
• A: Avocado
• M: Milk
• P: Pork, peas, peanut butter
• O: Oranges
• N: Nuts
• B: Bananas

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Memorize dietary sources and intervention acronyms for quick recall in clinical settings.