Low mag level

I suspect it has to do with what values the lab looks at as "critical" hospital wide versus what is critical for ICU. I know in my ICU the surgeons like to keep the electrolytes a bit on the cushier side (esp. mag, K, and Ca). The patient population is also post cardiothoracic surgery. For example, Cardiologists on the other hand may not be as aggressive in covering a K of 3.2 as the surgeons are unless there is ectopy etc. (I still request coverage anyway if appropriate).

Yea, we are quick to tx even lower levels of normal for K and Mg. I suppose CT sx pts are more prone to arrhythmias b/c of cardiac irritability after surgery. Not to mention, they usually come out with lots of insulin running (decreased K+), end up on some type of diuretic (decreased K+), receive blood products (decreased Ca)... most other "healthier" sick people in the hospital who have a K+ of 3.5 won't have any ectopy issues, but here... it's like drop below a K of 4.0 or a Mg below 2 and you can expect issues.

I believe Hi-Ho is right about ICU vs. hospital wide lab interpretation. The patients in the ICU are sicker, and therefore less likely to tolerate slight electrolyte imbalances than healthier patients (ie: those in other areas of the hospital). The lab likely does not need to notify the postop lap-choley's nurse with a K of 3.2, whereas the postop CAB with a K of 3.2 would be require pretty quick correction... And it is up to the nurse to recognize it quickly.

I think the ICU is a much more PROactive area than other places in the hospital.These slight lab imbalances are corrected before the patient becomes symptomatic.. Ideally anyways.