What it means
An electrolyteih-LEK-troh-lytA mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.electr/o electricity-lyte something that can be dissolvedFull entry found mostly inside cells and in bone. It helps nerves send signals, muscles relax and the heart keep a steady rhythm, and it works closely with calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry and potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry . Low levels (hypomagnesemia) are common with alcohol use, poor nutrition, diarrhea and some diuretics. High levels (hypermagnesemia) are seen mostly with kidney failure or too much IV magnesium.
For the nurse
IV magnesium sulfate, used for preeclampsia and some heart rhythms, is on the ISMP high-alert list. During an infusion, check reflexes, breathing rate and urine output, and keep calcium gluconate (the antidote) nearby. Low magnesium often comes with low potassium that will not correct until the magnesium does.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 1.3–2.1 mEq/L [0.65–1.05 mmol/L]; each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | Mg; MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate) is on the do-not-use lists: write the full name. |
| Spanish | magnesio |
| Also written | serum magnesium, magnesium level, magnesium levels |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
reflex
An automatic body response to something that stimulates it, which happens without thought, such as the knee jerk.
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.