Calcium Imbalances Flashcards
1
Q
What is the purpose of calcium?
A
- neuromuscular transmission
- control of muscle contraction
- blood clotting
- bone and teeth formation
- Cellular membrane functioning
2
Q
What is considered hypercalcemia?
A
Serum calcium >11
3
Q
What things can cause hypercalcemia?
A
- hyperparathyroidism
- bone malignancy
- drug toxicity
4
Q
What are the manifestations of hypercalcemia?
A
- fatigue, weakness
- Decreased DTR
- Headache and impaired cognition
- Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation
- lethargy
- polyuria
- renal calculi
- cardiac dysrhyhmias
- conjunctival calcifications
5
Q
How is hypercalcemia typically managed?
A
- partial parathyroidectomy
- discontinuation of thiazide diuretics
- vitamin and mineral supplements
- low calcium diet
6
Q
What is the acronym used to remember hypercalcemia causes?
A
CHIMPAN
7
Q
What does CHIMPAN stand for?
A
Calcium supplements Hyperparathyroidism Immobilization Multiple myeloma Parathyroid hyperplasia Alcohol Neoplasm
8
Q
What is considered hypocalcemia?
A
serum level <9
9
Q
What things can cause hypocalcemia?
A
- transfusion of large volume of citrated blood
- decreased parathyroid hormone
- Elevated serum phosphorus
- Decreased magnesium levels
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Alkalosis
10
Q
What are the manifestations of hypocalcemia?
A
- bradycardia and hypotension
- numbness and tingling of the fingers
- Hyperactive reflexes and muscle cramps
- Laryngeal spasms
- Tetany
- Confusion and possible seizures
- Pathologic fractures
- Trousseau sign and Chvostek sign
11
Q
How is hypocalcemia typically managed?
A
Severe symptoms are managed with IV replacement of calcium at a moderate rate
12
Q
What is the Acronym to remember the s/s of hypocalcemia?
A
CATS
13
Q
What does CATS stand for?
A
Convulsions
Arrhythmias
Tetany
Strider and spasms
