Question

This level increases are rarely seen, including during acute renal failure. It decreases in ruminants due to dietary deficiency, either acute (grass staggers) or chronic, and diarrhea (uncommon).

a) Calcium (Ca2+)
b) Phosphorus (P)
c) Magnesium (Mg2+)
d) Sodium (Na+)

Answer 1

The decrease in mineral level in ruminants due to dietary deficiency is magnesium (Mg2+). Low magnesium levels are associated with various health issues, whereas phosphorus and sodium deficiencies occur due to specific conditions or dietary insufficiencies. The correct answer is c) Magnesium (Mg2+).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is concerning a specific mineral level that is known to decrease in ruminants due to dietary deficiencies and is rarely seen to increase, even in conditions such as acute renal failure. The correct answer is c) Magnesium (Mg2+). Low levels of magnesium are associated with various conditions such as uremia, abnormal pregnancies, rickets, growth hormone treatment, hypercalcemia, and the recovery phase of diabetic coma. Chronic magnesium deficiency can lead to hypertension, heart rate increases, and other health issues. In contrast, hypophosphatemia represents abnormally low levels of phosphorus, and can occur due to heavy antacid use, alcohol withdrawal, and malnutrition. Sodium deficiencies generally do not occur under normal dietary conditions, but can arise from excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating over extended periods.