If magnesium toxicity is not recognized early by the deep tendon reflexes, what can it lead to?

If magnesium toxicity is not recognized early by the deep tendon reflexes, what can it lead to?

• A. Kidney injury
• B. Seizures
• C. Respiratory depression and cardiac arrest
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (C)

Deep tendon reflexes are an early indicator of magnesium toxicity because magnesium dampens neuromuscular excitability. When reflexes are no longer present, it signals significant neuromuscular and CNS depression. If this isn’t recognized, the weakness can progress to respiratory muscle failure, leading to respiratory depression, and the heart can be affected as conduction and contractility decline, potentially causing cardiac arrest. Seizures are unlikely with magnesium toxicity since magnesium has anticonvulsant effects and would not typically cause seizures. Hyperglycemia and kidney injury aren’t direct acute consequences of magnesium overload in this context.

Deep tendon reflexes are an early indicator of magnesium toxicity because magnesium dampens neuromuscular excitability. When reflexes are no longer present, it signals significant neuromuscular and CNS depression. If this isn’t recognized, the weakness can progress to respiratory muscle failure, leading to respiratory depression, and the heart can be affected as conduction and contractility decline, potentially causing cardiac arrest. Seizures are unlikely with magnesium toxicity since magnesium has anticonvulsant effects and would not typically cause seizures. Hyperglycemia and kidney injury aren’t direct acute consequences of magnesium overload in this context.