Complications of aerial catheterization for a 96-h period of monitoring include all the following EXCEPT

Aerial catheterization in the critically ill patient is an impoant method of monitoring changes in blood pressure and permitting frequent sampling of aerial blood. Aerial thrombosis is especially common with smaller aeries such as the radial or dorsalis pedis. This problem can be reduced by the use of continuous heparin flow rather than intermittent flushing. Infection at the catheter site can be minimized by careful management of the wound and by percutaneous placement of the catheter without aerial cutdown. Hemorrhage can occur if the system becomes disconnected. Septicemia is extremely unusual if the catheter is not left in situ for more than 4 days, but it becomes an increasing problem with longer use. Wound hematoma can occur especially if there is difficulty with (he aerial puncture. This complication may be dangerous when catheterization of the femoral aery is used because the blood loss in pelvis or thigh may not be appreciated. Three days following surgery for gastric carcinoma, a 50-year-old alcoholic man exhibits delirium, muscle tremors, and hyperactive tendon reflexes. Magnesium deficiency is suspected. All the following statements regarding this situation are true EXCEPT