Question

The nurse discovers that an elderly client with no history of cardiac or renal disease has an elevated serum magnesium level. To further investigate the cause of this electrolyte imbalance, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the client's medical history?

Answer 1

The nurse should obtain a detailed medical history, including medication usage, dietary habits, and symptoms, to investigate the cause of an elderly client's elevated serum magnesium level.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse encounters an elderly client with an elevated serum magnesium level and no history of cardiac or renal disease, it is crucial to gain more information to determine the cause of this electrolyte imbalance. A detailed medical history should be obtained, including any medications or supplements the client may be taking that could affect magnesium levels. It is also important to ask about dietary habits as excessive intake of foods high in magnesium could contribute to elevated levels. Moreover, conditions such as metabolic acidosis or diabetes may lead to altered magnesium levels through increased renal excretion or altered enzyme activity. The nurse should also inquire about symptoms that may suggest magnesium toxicity, such as muscle weakness, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms, which could provide clues about the severity of the imbalance.