Which finding is not typical of magnesium deficiency tetany?

Which finding is not typical of magnesium deficiency tetany?

• A. High serum phosphate level
• B. Normal serum calcium level
• C. Normal blood pH value
• D. Low serum potassium level

Answer: (A)

Magnesium is essential for stabilizing nerve membranes and for proper release and action of parathyroid hormone. When magnesium is deficient, you get neuromuscular irritability leading to tetany, and the low Mg often causes hypocalcemia because PTH release and action are impaired. Potassium losses are common as well, due to Mg-dependent processes in the kidney. The pH is usually near normal in uncomplicated magnesium deficiency tetany. A markedly high phosphate level does not typically arise from magnesium deficiency itself; elevated phosphate would more strongly suggest hypoparathyroidism or a problem with phosphate handling rather than magnesium deficiency tetany. So an elevated serum phosphate level is not a typical finding in magnesium deficiency tetany.

Magnesium is essential for stabilizing nerve membranes and for proper release and action of parathyroid hormone. When magnesium is deficient, you get neuromuscular irritability leading to tetany, and the low Mg often causes hypocalcemia because PTH release and action are impaired. Potassium losses are common as well, due to Mg-dependent processes in the kidney. The pH is usually near normal in uncomplicated magnesium deficiency tetany. A markedly high phosphate level does not typically arise from magnesium deficiency itself; elevated phosphate would more strongly suggest hypoparathyroidism or a problem with phosphate handling rather than magnesium deficiency tetany. So an elevated serum phosphate level is not a typical finding in magnesium deficiency tetany.