HYPOMAGNESEMIA =Mg <1.3mEq/L

 

Etiology :

  1. Most commonly 2ry to GI & GU losses
     
  2. 2Malabsorption (chronic inflammatory bowel disease, alcoholism, malnutrition)
     
  3. GU losses 2ry to drugs (diuretics, dig, aminoglycocide)

S & S :

  1. CNS: tremors, delirium, hyperreflexia, convulsions.
     
  2. CV: dysrhythmias

DX :

  1. LABS c/w  Mg. Commonly hypoK , hypoCa and hypoPO are present as well.
  2. EKG: > QT, flat TW, A.fib, Torsade de pointes.
     

Treatment:

  1. Mg Oxide 600mg PO
     
  2. MgSO4 2gm IV. Pt should be put on EKG monitor and pulse Ox since both the dysrhythmias and respiratory depression can occur if  IV Mg OD. Deep tendon reflexes decrease / disappear with high doses.
     
  3. It is probably not necessary to admit pt to monitored bed once Mg abnormality  is corrected. If pt goes into Torsade, atropine can be administered to accelerate pt HR and get the pt out of dangerous situation.

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