Exam 1: Calcium Imbalances Flashcards
Where is Calcium located?
99% located in the skeletal system , major component of bones and teeth
What about the 1% of Calcium?
Rapidly exchangeable with blood calcium, adnd the rest is more stable and slowly exchanged.
Calcium plays a major role in
transmitting nerve impulses and helps regulate muscle contraction and relaxation, including cardiac muscle
Calcium is instrumental in
activating enzymes that stimulate many essential chemical reactions in the body and plays role in blood coagulation
Range for Hypocalcemia
< 8.5 mg/dL
Range for Hypercalcemia
> 10.5 mg/dL
Hypocalcemia Contributing Factors
Hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D definicency, massive subcutaneous infection, decreased parathyroid hormone , fistulas, burns
Hypocalcemia Signs / Symptoms
Numbness, Tingling of Fingers, toes, SEizures, Hyperactive Deep Tendon Reflexesm diarrhea, Decreased BP, decreased clotting time, positive trousseau and chvostek , and tetany
Hypocalcemia Labs Indicate
Decrease in Magnesium or phosphorus
Hypercalcemia Contributing Factors
Hyperparathyroidism, Prolonged immobilization, Overuse of Supplements, Vitman D Excess, Increased Parathyroid Hormone
Hypercalcemia Signs/Symptoms
Muscular Weakness, Constipation, Anorexia, Nausea and Vomiting, Dehydration, Hypoactive Deep Tendon REflexes
Hypercalcemia ECG
Shortened ST Segmenet and QT Interval
Normal total serum calcium level?
8.6-10.2
Calcium exists in plasma in what forms?
Ionized, Bound, and Complex
50% Calcium exists in what form?
Ionized, and this is the most important for neuromusculalr activity and blood coagulation.
Normal Ionized Serum Calcium level?
4.5-5.1
Calcium is absorbed from foods in the presence of
normal gastric acidity and vitamin D
Calcium excreted primarily in
the feces, with remainder excreted in the urine.
Serum calcium level controlled by
PTH and Calcitonin
AS ionized serum calcium decreases,
the parathyroid glands secrete PTH. This increases calcium absorption from the GI tract, increases calcium reabsoprtion from the renal tube, and released calcium from the bone.
When calcium increases excessively, the thyroid gland secretes
calcitonin, which inhibits calcium reabsorption from bone and decreases the serum calcium concentration
Hypocalcemia range?
< 8,6 mg/dL
Who is at risk for Hypocalcemia?
Those who spend an increased amount of time in bed, because bed rest increases bone resorption
What is Hypocalcemia associated with?
Thyroid and Parathyroid surgery, but it can also occur after radial neck dissection.