Which electrocardiographic change would the nurse expect to note based on the magnesium level? A nurse caring for a client with severe malnutrition reviews the laboratory results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL.
Rationale: The normal magnesium level is 1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL. A magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL indicates hypomagnesemia. In hypomagnesemia, the nurse would note tall T waves and a depressed ST segment. Options B and D would be noted in a client experiencing hypermagnesemia. Prominent U waves occur with hypokalemia.
Test-Taking Strategy: First, you must determine that the client is experiencing hypomagnesemia. Next, identify the electrocardiographic changes that occur in this condition. If you had difficulty with this question, review the normal magnesium level and the electrocardiographic changes that occur in hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia.
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