A blood specimen is received in the laboratory from a maternity patient in the obstetric unit with blood magnesium ordered by the attending physician. The serum magnesium level is 5.0 mg/dL (RI = 1.6 - 2.6 mg/dL). Which of the following explains the elevated serum magnesium?
A) The patient has primary hyperparathyroidism.
B) The patient has had a massive heart attack.
C) The patient is on magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion because she is experiencing pre-eclampsia.
D) The patient has Paget's disease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elevated serum magnesium level in this context is most likely due to the patient being on magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion, which is a common treatment for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women to prevent seizures.

A Blood Specimen Is Received in the Laboratory from a Maternity