The patient who has a serum magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL is being treated with dietary modification. Which foods should the nurse suggest for this patient?
A.
Romaine lettuce.
B.
Lean red meat.
C.
Almonds.
D.
White rice.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Almonds.
Explanation:
A serum magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL indicates hypomagnesemia, as normal serum magnesium levels typically range between 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL. Magnesium plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and the regulation of blood pressure. It is also essential for maintaining proper cardiac rhythm and supporting bone health.
When a patient has low magnesium levels, dietary modification is a common intervention to help restore balance. The nurse should recommend foods that are rich in magnesium to increase the patient’s serum magnesium levels. Almonds, which are high in magnesium, are an excellent choice. Just one ounce of almonds provides about 80 mg of magnesium, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended intake for most adults (approximately 310-420 mg).
Here’s why the other options are less suitable for this patient:
- Romaine lettuce (A) is a healthy food, but it is low in magnesium. It may be part of a balanced diet but will not significantly increase magnesium levels. A cup of romaine lettuce contains only around 4 mg of magnesium.
- Lean red meat (B), while a good source of protein and iron, is not particularly rich in magnesium. Red meat can be included in a balanced diet, but it is not a significant contributor to magnesium intake.
- White rice (D) is low in magnesium because the process of refining rice removes the nutrient-rich outer layers. Brown rice, in contrast, retains more magnesium, but white rice is a poor source.
Thus, the nurse should recommend almonds, as they provide a concentrated source of magnesium, helping the patient increase their serum magnesium levels through dietary changes. Other foods high in magnesium include spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and whole grains, which could also be beneficial in managing hypomagnesemia.