Word parts
What it means
It is uncommon and is usually caused by kidney failure or too much magnesium from IV magnesium sulfate, antacids or laxatives. High magnesium slows nerves and muscles: it weakens reflexes, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and at high levels can stop breathing and the heart.
For the nurse
In a client on IV magnesium sulfate, such as for preeclampsia, check deep tendon reflexes, breathing rate, urine output and blood levels often, and report reflexes that weaken or disappear. Calcium gluconate is the antidote.
Remember it
High magnesium, sleepy muscles; low magnesium, jumpy muscles.
At a glance
| Spanish | hipermagnesemia |
|---|
Easy to confuse with
hypomagnesemia
A blood magnesium level below normal.
Related terms
chronic kidney disease
Kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
-emia
A word ending that means a condition of the blood, or something in the blood.
hyper-
A word beginning that means above, over or more than normal.
hypomagnesemia
A blood magnesium level below normal.