The nurse is caring for a client with a long history of taking magnesium hydroxide for managing symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Which finding in the client’s medical history would be of concern to the nurse?

  • asthma
  • arthritis
  • heart failure
  • enlarged prostate
Number 3 is correct.
Clients with heart failure experience decreased kidney perfusion. Magnesium hydroxide is excreted through the kidneys, leaving the client at risk for magnesium toxicity. The other conditions listed do not affect the body’s ability to clear magnesium.