A nurse is assessing a client who has hypermagnesemia. Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
A.
Calcium gluconate
B.
Flumazenil
C.
Protamine sulfate
D.
Acetylcysteine
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Calcium gluconate.
Explanation:
Hypermagnesemia, an elevated level of magnesium in the blood, is a condition that requires careful management due to its potential to cause serious health issues. Magnesium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including muscle and nerve function, but excessive levels can lead to adverse effects such as muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and even respiratory depression.
Calcium Gluconate: Calcium gluconate is the appropriate medication for treating hypermagnesemia. Magnesium and calcium have an antagonistic relationship; high levels of magnesium can depress neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, while calcium can counteract these effects. Calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane and reversing the neuromuscular effects caused by elevated magnesium levels. It is administered intravenously to quickly restore calcium levels and mitigate the complications associated with hypermagnesemia, such as cardiac arrhythmias and neuromuscular symptoms.
Other Medications:
- Flumazenil (B): This is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It is not relevant in the context of hypermagnesemia.
- Protamine Sulfate (C): This medication is used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant. It does not address the issues associated with hypermagnesemia.
- Acetylcysteine (D): Acetylcysteine is primarily used as an antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose and as a mucolytic agent. It has no role in managing hypermagnesemia.
In summary, the treatment of hypermagnesemia focuses on counteracting the effects of elevated magnesium levels. Calcium gluconate is specifically used to address the neuromuscular and cardiovascular complications associated with this condition, making it the correct choice in this scenario.