Flashcard 15 - Musculoskeletal/​Neurological/​Psychosocial Flashcard Set for the CCRN

Magnesium; thiamine (vitamin B1)

Patients with chronic alcohol abuse are at high risk for electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies due to overconsumption of alcohol and decreased consumption of healthy foods. Patients with chronic alcohol use disorder commonly have low magnesium and thiamine levels because of malnutrition, impaired absorption, and increased urinary losses. Thiamine deficiency increases the risk of Wernicke encephalopathy, and hypomagnesemia can contribute to neuromuscular dysfunction and cardiac dysrhythmias.