Fluid & Electrolytes: Hypomagnesemia and Hypocalcemia

Flashcards covering the causes, signs/symptoms, and treatments of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia, including clinical judgment exercises.

Hypomagnesemia

A condition characterized by low serum magnesium levels, often caused by diarrhea (due to $Mg$ in the intestines) or alcohol use disorder; results in

Hypocalcemia

Low serum calcium levels often resulting from conditions like hypoparathyroidism, radical neck surgery, or thyroidectomy, all of which lead to Not Enough $PTH$.

Chvostek's Sign

A clinical indicator of hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia where tapping the cheek ("C" is for Cheek) triggers a muscle twitch.

Trousseau's Sign

A clinical indicator of hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia where pumping up a blood pressure cuff causes a carpal spasm.

Muscle Tone in Hypomagnesemia/Hypocalcemia

Described as rigid and tight because $Mg$ and $Ca$ act as sedatives; when they are low, muscles are over-stimulated.

Stridor/Laryngospasm

A serious airway symptom in electrolyte imbalances because the airway is composed of smooth muscle.

Arrhythmias

Irregular heart rhythms that occur in hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia because the heart is a muscle.

sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®)

A phosphate binder medication used in the treatment of hypocalcemia.

calcium acetate (PhosLo®)

A phosphate binder medication used in the treatment of hypocalcemia.

Kidney Function Check

A mandatory assessment required before and during the administration of $IV\,Mg$.

Alcohol Use Disorder

A cause of hypomagnesemia because it suppresses $ADH$, is hypertonic, and often involves poor nutritional intake (not eating or drinking enough).

Foods High in Magnesium

Includes spinach, mustard greens, summer squash, broccoli, halibut, turnip greens, pumpkin seeds, peppermint, cucumber, green beans, celery, kale, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds.

Priority Post-Colonoscopy Intervention

Instructing the client to stay in bed if they report small abdominal discomfort and a drop of bright red blood is found on the sheet.

Priority Clinical Judgment: Seizures vs. Heart Cath

A client 8 hours post heart cath is the priority over a client with a history of generalized (Tonic-Clonic) seizures because the cath site involves a punctured hole.

Swallowing Problems

A symptom of hypomagnesemia or hypocalcemia because the esophagus is a smooth muscle.