calcium Flashcards
what is calcium important for?
bone and tooth formation
normal cell function
neural transmission
what does calcium affect?
contraction of muscle
blood clotting
horomone balance
where is it mostly found besides bone and teeth?
bound to albumin
what is the normal calcium level?
8.9 to 10.1
what affects calcium balance?
dietary intake PTH release Calcitonin Vitamin D Phosphorus Serum pH
how does PTH affect calcium?
when calcium is low
~ it pulls calcium from bones and promotes transfer into plasma
~kidneys reabsorb along with intestines
how does Calcitonin affect calcium?
antagonizes PTH (if Calcium lvl too high)
~inhibits bone reabsorption
~ decreases absorption
~ increases excretion of Calcium by kidneys
How does Vitamin D affect calcium?
promotes calcium absorption from intestines
reabsorption from bones
absorption from kidneys to increase calcium
how does phosphorus affect calcium?
has inverse relation so when calcium low kidneys retain calcium and excrete phosphorus
how is the bloods pH affect calcium?
has inverse relationship
if pH rises more calcium binds with protein and levels drop and vise versa
what is the cause of hypocalemia?
hypoalbumin poor diet malabsorption pancreatitis parathyroid and thyroid gland surgery medications kidney failure hypomagnesium hyperphosphatemia alkalosis
what are some signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia?
neuromuscular cardiovascular tetany evidenced by Trousseau's and Chvostek's sign anxiety confusion irritablitly decreased cardiac output arrhthmias ECG changes fractures muscle cramps tremors twitching parethsia of face, finger, and toes
what is the treatment of hypocalcemia?
IV calcium gluconate or calcium chloride
mg supplement
Vitamin D supplement
adequate calcium intake
what is hypercalcemia?
*metabolic emergency
what is the two major causes of hypercalcemia?
primary hyperparathyroidism –> excessive PTH
cancer –> release similar to PTH
