Assessment Skills
If my patient has less than 30mL an hour, I will know something is wrong.
What is urine output?
yes
I will assess this every 4 hours to ensure there are no changes during a magnesium sulfate infusion.
What are lung sounds?
The patient's lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally. Is this a sign of magnesium toxicity?
no
I will assess this hourly, in addition to urine output, deep tendon reflexes, and neuro status.
What are vital signs?
The patient thinks they are at the supermarket and starts to go "shopping" in the bathroom. Are they most likely magnesium toxic, or do we need a psych consult?
magnesium toxic
Anything less than (+2) and I will be concerned.
What are deep tendon reflexes?
You check deep tendon reflexes and they are absent. Could they be magnesium toxic?
yes
If my patient becomes disoriented I will know that this is a change in ____.
What is neuro status?
The patient's hourly blood pressure is 75/38. The previous blood pressure an hour ago was 124/88. Could they be magnesium toxic?
yes