The nurse is assessing the client with renal failure and notes that the client's respirations are depressed, the client is lethargic with depressed respirations. His blood pressure (BP) is 80/40 mm Hg; pulse (P) is 58 beats/min; respiration rate (RR) is 12 breaths/min; and hypoactive reflexes are present. Which of the following may be the cause of these symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with hypermagnesemia, which can occur when a client with renal failure takes frequent doses of magnesium-based laxatives. Renal failure impairs the body's ability to excrete magnesium, leading to accumulation and symptoms such as lethargy, depressed respirations, hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoactive reflexes.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Client with Renal Failure and Notes