Meaning of Hypomagnesemia
Low levels of magnesium in the blood
Normal levels of Magnesium
1.6-2.6
Level of hypomagnesemia
< 1.6
Magnesium plays a role in
major cell functions like transferring and storing energy, regulation of parathyroid hormone PTH (which also plays a role in calcium levels). In hypomagnesemia, the release of calcium is inhibited and that is why you will see hypocalcemia if you have low magnesium level. Magnesium also plays a role in the metabolism of carbs, lipids, and proteins, and blood pressure regulation.
Where is magnesium absorbed?
Magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted via the kidneys (any issues with these systems can cause magnesium level issues).
Saying for Causes of Hypomagnesemia
“Low Mag”
“(L)ow Mag”
Limited intake Mg (Starvation)
“L(o)w Mag”
Other electrolyte issues cause low mag levels
“Lo(w) Mag”
Wasting magnesium kdineys (loop and thiazide diuretics and cyclosporine … stimulates the kidneys to waste Mag)
“Low (M)ag”
Malabsorption issues (Crohn’s, Celiac, proton-pump inhibitors drugs “Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix”…drug family ending in “prazole” Omeprazole, diarrhea/vomiting)
“Low M(a)g”
Alcohol (due to poor dietary intake, alcohol stimulates the kidneys to excreted mag, acute pancreatitis)
“Low Ma(g)”
Glycemic issues (Diabetic Ketoacidosis, insulin administration)
Saying for Signs and Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia
Remember “Twitching” because the body is experiencing neuromuscular excitability. This is the OPPOSITE in hypermagnesemia where everything system of the body is lethargic.
“(T)witching”
Trouesseau (Positive due to hypocalcemia)
“T(w)itching”
Weak Respirations
“Tw(i)tching”
Irritability
“Twi(t)ching”
Torsades de pointes (abnormal heart rhythm that leads to sudden cardiac death) Tetany (seizures)
“Twit(c)hing”
Cardiac Changes and Chvosteks Signs
“Twitc(h)ing”
Hypertension, Hyperreflexia
“Twitch(i)ng”
Involuntary Movements
“Twitchi(n)g”
Nausea
“Twitchin(g)”
GI Issues
Nursing Intervention - Cardiac
Monitor Cardiac , Gi , Respiratory, Neuro Status
Nursing Intervention - What to administer
May administer potassium supplements due to hypokalemia (hard to get magnesium level up if potassium level is down)
Supplements
Administer calcium supplements
How should Magnesium be administer?
Administer Magnesium Sulfate IV Route
What other electrolyte levels should be watched out for?
Like calcium and potassium