Question

The nurse in the dialysis clinic is reviewing the home medications of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which medication reported by the patient indicates that patient teaching is required?

a. Multivitamin with iron
b. Magnesium hydroxide
c. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
d. Calcium phosphate (PhosLo)

Answer 1

Patient teaching is required for the use of magnesium hydroxide in a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it can cause hypermagnesemia due to the kidneys' impaired ability to excrete magnesium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication that indicates patient teaching is required for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is magnesium hydroxide. This medication can lead to hypermagnesemia, especially in patients with reduced kidney function, because the kidneys are responsible for excreting magnesium. Patients with CKD often have difficulty excreting magnesium, which could result in dangerous levels of the mineral in the blood. Additionally, those with CKD often have alterations in phosphate metabolism, leading to hyperphosphatemia. Consequently, while medications such as calcium phosphate (PhosLo) can also be concerning due to their contribution to hyperphosphatemia, the use of magnesium hydroxide without a healthcare provider's supervision can pose an immediate risk.