The nurse is assessing a patient after returning from surgery. After reviewing the patient's lab results, the nurse should notify the physician of

Explanation

• Normal range for sodium: 135-145 mEq/L
• Normal range for potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• Normal range for magnesium: 1.3-2.1 mEq/L
• Normal range for phosphorus: 3-4.5 mg/dL

• The patient's magnesium level is low, putting the patient at risk for ventricular arrhythmias such as Torsades de pointes.

• Although the sodium level is slightly elevated, it is not critical. A slight decrease in magnesium has more serious consequences.

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