If magnesium toxicity occurs, what should be done?

If magnesium toxicity occurs, what should be done?

• A. Stop infusion and give its antidote
• B. Increase the magnesium dose
• C. Continue infusion with monitoring
• D. Administer diuretics to remove magnesium

Answer: (A)

Magnesium toxicity from IV magnesium sulfate is treated by stopping the infusion and giving calcium gluconate. Stopping the infusion stops further magnesium exposure, and calcium gluconate acts as an antidote by antagonizing magnesium's effects on neuromuscular and cardiac function, often rapidly restoring reflexes and respirations. Monitor respiratory status, reflexes, and vital signs, and provide support as needed while watching for improvement. Increasing the magnesium dose would worsen toxicity, continuing the infusion with monitoring lets the toxic effects progress, and diuretics to remove magnesium aren’t the immediate, reliable reversal in this acute setting.

Magnesium toxicity from IV magnesium sulfate is treated by stopping the infusion and giving calcium gluconate. Stopping the infusion stops further magnesium exposure, and calcium gluconate acts as an antidote by antagonizing magnesium's effects on neuromuscular and cardiac function, often rapidly restoring reflexes and respirations. Monitor respiratory status, reflexes, and vital signs, and provide support as needed while watching for improvement. Increasing the magnesium dose would worsen toxicity, continuing the infusion with monitoring lets the toxic effects progress, and diuretics to remove magnesium aren’t the immediate, reliable reversal in this acute setting.