A nurse is planning to teach a group of newly licensed nurses about hypermagnesemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Bradypnea: Hypermagnesemia depresses neuromuscular and central nervous system function, which can lead to slowed respiratory rate (bradypnea) and potentially respiratory failure in severe cases. B. Personality change: Personality changes are more commonly associated with hyponatremia, hypernatremia, or other electrolyte imbalances affecting the brain, rather than hypermagnesemia. C. Seizure: Seizures are more likely in hypomagnesemia due to increased neuromuscular excitability, not in hypermagnesemia, which generally causes neuromuscular depression. D. Elevated hematocrit: Hypermagnesemia does not directly affect red blood cell concentration or hematocrit levels. Changes in hematocrit are usually related to fluid volume status, not magnesium levels.