Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

The presence of too much magnesium in the body is known as?

1. Hypercalcemia

2. Hypomagnesium

3. Hypermagnesium

4. Hypokalemia

The correct answer is: Hypermagnesium

The condition defined by an excess of magnesium in the body is called hypermagnesemia. This medical situation arises when the serum magnesium levels exceed the normal range, which can occur due to various factors such as kidney dysfunction, excessive intake of magnesium-containing medications, or certain endocrine disorders. Symptoms of hypermagnesemia may include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or cardiac arrest due to its effects on neuromuscular function and cardiovascular stability. In contrast, hypercalcemia refers to elevated calcium levels, while hypomagnesemia indicates a deficiency in magnesium. Hypokalemia describes low potassium levels in the blood. Each of these conditions is distinct and arises from different imbalances of their respective electrolytes. Understanding the differences helps in recognizing the significance of magnesium levels in the body's biochemical processes and the potential health implications of their imbalance.