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In a patient with altered mental status and agitation, frequent monitoring of which electrolyte could be indicated?
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
The correct answer is: Magnesium
Frequent monitoring of magnesium is particularly vital in a patient with altered mental status and agitation due to the role magnesium plays in neurological function. Hypomagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, altered mental status, and increased risk for seizures, which can manifest as agitation. Additionally, magnesium is crucial for several neurotransmitter functions and can impact excitability in the central nervous system. In patients showing signs of agitation or confusion, especially if there is a history or risk of electrolyte imbalances, monitoring magnesium levels can help detect potential deficiencies that may be contributing to the patient's condition. While sodium, potassium, and calcium are also important electrolytes to monitor, their specific contributions to altered mental status are different and not as directly correlated to agitation in the context of magnesium's neuromuscular and central nervous system influences. Therefore, magnesium stands out as crucial in this scenario, particularly in the setting of agitation linked to neurological changes.