Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct choice highlights a key symptom associated with hypermagnesemia, which is an elevated level of magnesium in the blood. Hypermagnesemia typically results in various physiological changes due to the effects of excess magnesium, including its impact on neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. One notable symptom is decreased neuromuscular excitability, which can lead to symptoms such as diminished deep tendon reflexes. In contrast, magnesium's effect on gastrointestinal motility generally leads to decreased intestinal activity, resulting in constipation.

While the other symptoms listed can be associated with different electrolyte imbalances or conditions, they are not typical manifestations of hypermagnesemia. For example, respiratory depression can occur in severe cases when there is central nervous system involvement or when magnesium levels are extraordinarily high. However, it is not the primary or first recognized symptom. A severe headache may be indicative of other conditions or imbalances but is not specifically associated with high magnesium levels. Thus, understanding the characteristic symptoms of hypermagnesemia is crucial, and constipation stands out as a common manifestation.