The nurse is caring for a client with renal failure and has been taking magnesium hydroxide suspension at home for indigestion. The client is somnolent and has decreased deep tendon reflexes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A)Notify the client's health care provider.
B)Withhold the next scheduled dose of magnesium hydroxide.
C)Review the magnesium level on the client's chart.
D)Check the chart for the most recent potassium level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client has a history and symptoms consistent with hypermagnesemia; the nurse should check the chart for a recent serum magnesium level. Notification of the health care provider will be done after the nurse knows the magnesium level. The magnesium hydroxide should be held, but more immediate action is needed to correct the client's decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and somnolence. Monitoring of potassium levels also is important for clients with renal failure, but the client's current symptoms are not consistent with hyperkalemia.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Renal Failure