PASCUAL, BERNADETTE JOYCE R. MR.

MARIANO PALMA

BSN III- C

Problem: Hypermagnesemia

NURSING CARE PLAN

ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSIS PLANNING INTERVENTION EVALUATION

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HYPERMAGNESEMIA

Hypermagnesemia refers to an excess amount of magnesium in the bloodstream. It is rare and

is usually caused by renal failure or poor kidney function.
Magnesium is a mineral the body uses as an electrolyte, meaning it carries electric charges
around the body when dissolved in the blood.
Magnesium has a role in bone health, cardiovascular function, and neurotransmission, among
other functions. Most magnesium is stored in the bones.
Hypermagnesemia is rare and occurs when too much magnesium circulates in the blood.
In healthy people, very little magnesium circulates in the blood. The gastrointestinal (gut) and
renal (kidney) systems regulate and control how much magnesium the body absorbs from food
and how much is excreted in urine.
These systems control how much magnesium the body absorbs from food and how much is
excreted in urine.
A healthy body maintains a level of 1.7 to 2.3 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of magnesium at
all times.
A high magnesium level is 2.6 mg/dL or above.

CAUSES
Most cases of hypermagnesemia occur in people who have kidney failure. Hypermagnesemia
occurs because the process that keeps the levels of magnesium in the body at normal levels
does not work properly in people with kidney dysfunction and end-stage liver disease.
When the kidneys do not work properly, they are unable to get rid of excess magnesium, and
this makes the person more susceptible to a build-up of the mineral in the blood.
Some treatments for chronic kidney disease, including proton pump inhibitors, can increase the
risk of hypermagnesemia. Malnourishment and alcoholism are additional risk factors in people
with chronic kidney disease.
OTHER CAUSES
It is rare for someone who has normal kidney function to develop hypermagnesemia. If a
person with healthy kidney function does develop hypermagnesemia, the symptoms are usually
mild.
Other causes of hypermagnesemia include:
 Lithium therapy
 Hypothyroidism
 Addison’s disease
 Milk-alkali syndrome
 Drugs containing magnesium, such as some laxatives and antacids
 Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
The condition can also develop in someone who has been treated for a drug overdose with
magnesium-containing cathartics.
Women taking magnesium as a treatment for preeclampsia may also be at risk if their dose is
too high.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of hypermagnesemia include:
  Nausea
 Vomiting
 Neurological impairment
 Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension)
 Flushing
 Headache
Particularly high levels of magnesium in the blood can lead to heart problems, difficulty
breathing, and shock. In severe cases, it can result in coma.

DIAGNOSIS
Hypermagnesemia is diagnosed using a blood test. The level of magnesium found in the blood
indicates the severity of the condition.
A normal level of magnesium is between 1.7 and 2.3 mg/dL. Anything above this and up to
around 7 mg/dL can cause mild symptoms, including flushing, nausea, and headache.
Magnesium levels between 7 and 12 mg/dL can impact the heart and lungs, and levels in the
upper end of this range may cause extreme fatigue and low blood pressure.
Levels above 12 mg/dL can lead to muscle paralysis and hyperventilation. When levels are
above 15.6 mg/dL, the condition may result in a coma.

TREATMENT
The first step in treating hypermagnesemia is identifying and stopping the source of extra
magnesium.
An intravenous (IV) calcium supply is then used to reduce symptoms such as impaired
breathing, irregular heartbeat, and hypotension, as well as the neurological impact.
Intravenous calcium, diuretics, or water pills may also be used to help the body get rid of excess
magnesium.
People with renal dysfunction or those who have had a severe magnesium overdose may
require dialysis if they are experiencing kidney failure, or if magnesium levels are still rising
after treatment.

PREVENTION
People with underlying kidney issues are at risk of developing hypermagnesemia because their
kidneys may not be able to excrete enough magnesium.
Avoiding medications that contain magnesium can help prevent complications. This includes
some over-the-counter antacids and laxatives.
Doctors are advised to test for hypermagnesemia in anyone with underperforming kidneys who
experiences the associated symptoms.

OUTLOOK
If diagnosed early, hypermagnesemia is usually treatable. If renal function is normal, the
kidneys can excrete the excess magnesium quickly once the source has been identified and
stopped.
Severe cases, especially if diagnosed late, can be harder to treat in those with damaged kidneys.
Dialysis and intravenous calcium can stop symptoms quickly, however.
Older people with renal dysfunction have a higher risk of developing severe complications.
Critically ill people already admitted to hospital have a higher rate of deathTrusted Source if
diagnosed with hypermagnesemia.