Question

A nurse in an emergency department is reviewing the laboratory report for a client who is confused and reports nausea and abdominal cramping. The nurse should expect the client's laboratory results to indicate a dietary deficiency of which of the following minerals?

Option 1:
Potassium.

Option 2:
Sodium.

Option 3:
Calcium.

Option 4:
Magnesium.

Answer 1

The laboratory results of a patient with confusion, nausea, and abdominal cramping may indicate a dietary deficiency of magnesium, which is associated with such symptoms when levels are low.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse in an emergency department is reviewing a laboratory report for a client who is confused and reports nausea and abdominal cramping, the client's laboratory results might be expected to indicate a dietary deficiency of magnesium (Option 4).

Among the major minerals—sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur—magnesium has been associated with symptoms of confusion, nausea, and abdominal cramping when levels are low. While other electrolytes like potassium and sodium are also essential for body processes, a magnesium deficiency is known to result in such neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.