Final answer:
The nurse should look for improved symptoms and increased serum magnesium levels to determine the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate IV in a client with hypomagnesemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client with hypomagnesemia who is receiving magnesium sulfate IV, the nurse should look for specific findings to determine if the medication is effective.
One finding that indicates the medication's effectiveness is an improvement in symptoms associated with hypomagnesemia, such as muscle weakness, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The client may experience relief from these symptoms as their magnesium levels normalize.
Another finding is an increase in the client's serum magnesium levels. Blood tests can be done to monitor magnesium levels, and an increase in these levels suggests that the medication is having the desired effect.