Calcium salts

Question 1

therapeutic class

Answer 1

calcium supplement

Question 2

pharmacologic class

Answer 2

drugs for replacement of deficient calcium levels

Question 3

intent

Answer 3

restore normal serum levels of calcium, which promotes deposition of the mineral in bone

Question 4

pregnancy category

Answer 4

B or C

Question 5

indications

Answer 5

hypocalcemia; osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, rickets, lactation, osteomalacia, chronic hypoparathryoidism

Question 6

contraindications

Answer 6

ventricular fibrillation, metastatic bone disease, or renal calculi; hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism or digoxin toxicity

Question 7

precautions

Answer 7

renal or cardiac insufficiency, diarrhea, dysrhythmias, dehydration, sarcoidosis, kidney stones, hyperphosphatemia

Question 8

drug interactions

Answer 8

digoxin, magnesium, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, verapamil and other calcium channel blockers
alcohol, caffeine, zinc-rich foods (nuts, legumes, seeds)
foods containing oxalic acid (spinach, beets)

Question 9

adverse effects

Answer 9

constipation, nausea
vomiting
metallic taste

Question 10

responsibilities

Answer 10

assess for signs of calcium imbalance
obtain baseline and periodic vital signs, serum calcium levels, and ECG
obtain complete patient history
investigate history of fractures
administer IV calcium salts slowly
monitor electrolyte levels during therapy

Question 11

teaching

Answer 11

take salts w/ meals or soon after
report drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, increased urination, thirst, facial, twitching, weakness in extremities, muscle spasms or seizures