Calcium

Question 1

Basic functions of calcium (6)

Answer 1

Maintains bone strength and density
Activates enzymes
Allows skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction
Controls nerve impulse transmission
Enhances blood clotting
Keeps the three “B’s” strong…bones, blood, and beats

Question 2

Causes of Hypercalcemia

Answer 2

“HIGH CALS”

Question 3

H PERC

Answer 3

Hyperparathyroidism

Question 4

I PERC

Answer 4

Increased Intake of Calcium

Question 5

G PERC

Answer 5

Glucocorticoids- suppress calcium absorption

Question 6

H PERC

Answer 6

Hyperthyroidism

Question 7

C PERC

Answer 7

Calcium Excretion Decreased with Thiazide Diuretics

Question 8

A PERC

Answer 8

Adrenal Insufficiency

Question 9

L PERC

Answer 9

Lithium-affects parathyroid and increases phosphate

Question 10

S&S of Hypercalcemia (swollen and slow, moans, groans, and stones)

Answer 10

“the body is too WEAK”

Question 11

W PER

Answer 11

Weakness of muscles

Question 12

E PER (5)

Answer 12

EKG changes (shortened QT interval) 
CARDIAC DYSRYTHMIAS 
MPAIRED PERFUSION 
DECREASED CO
 WORSE BLOOD CLOTTING

Question 13

A PER

Answer 13

Absent reflexes, abdominal distention (constipation)

Question 14

K PER

Answer 14

Kidney stone formation

Question 15

Causes of Hypocalcemia

Answer 15

“LOW CALCIUM”

Question 16

L POC

Answer 16

Low parathyroid hormone

Question 17

O POC

Answer 17

Oral Intake Inadequate

Question 18

W POC

Answer 18

Wound drainage

Question 19

C POC

Answer 19

Celiac’s Disease

Question 20

A POC

Answer 20

Acute pancreatitis

Question 21

L POC

Answer 21

Low Vitamin D

Question 22

C POC

Answer 22

Chronic Kidney Disease

Question 23

I POC

Answer 23

Increased Phosphorus Level

Question 24

U POC

Answer 24

Using Meds

Question 25

M POC

Answer 25

Mobility Issues

Question 26

S&S of Hypocalcemia

Answer 26

"CRAMPS"

Question 27

C PO

Answer 27

Confusion

Question 28

R PO

Answer 28

Reflexes hyperactive and Diarrhea

Question 29

A PO

Answer 29

Cardiac Dysrythmias (prolonged QT interval and ST interval), Hypotension and a weak, thready pulse

Question 30

M PO

Answer 30

Muscle spasms in calves/feet ("charley horses")

Question 31

P PO

Answer 31

Positive Trosseau's sign, Parathesias

Question 32

S PO

Answer 32

Sign of Chvostek's sign

Question 33

Calcium requires...

Answer 33

active form of Vitamin D to absorb, and is stored in the bone matrix.

Question 34

Calcium is brought into the body by...

Answer 34

dietary intake and is absorbed through the intestinal tract.

Question 35

When it is needed what is released?

Answer 35

Parathyroid hormone.

Question 36

When it is too much what is released?

Answer 36

TCT, thyrocalcitonin.

Question 37

Hypocalcemic symptoms are mainly caused by...

Answer 37

overstimulation of the nerves and muscles.

Question 38

Interventions for Hypocalcemia...

Answer 38

REDUCE ENVIROMENTAL STIMULI. USE A LIFT (DRAW) SHEET AND NON-SLIP SOCKS.

Question 39

Hypercalcemia interventions include...

Answer 39

giving furosemide, and stopping Ringer's lactate, rehydration, and cardiac monitoring.