Hypercalcemia

Question 1

Hypercalcemia

Answer 1

Too much calcium in the blood
Normal level: 8.6-10.0 mg/dL- anything greater then 10.0 mg is considered hypercalcemia

Role of calcium is in bone and teeth, muscle/nerve function, cell function and blood clotting

Question 2

Causes of hypercalcemia

Answer 2

Remember “high cal”
H- hyperparathyroid: High parathyroid hormone causes to much calcium in the blood
I- increased intake of calcium: excessive use of calcium supplements, vitamin D
G- glucocorticoids: suppress absorption which leaves too much in blood
H- hyperthyroidism- overactive thyroid
C- calcium excretion decrease with thiazide diuretics, renal failure and bone cancer and anything that ends in thiazide can increase calcium
A- adrenal insufficiency: Addison’s disease
L- lithium usage: affect parathyroid, causes phosphate to decrease so calcium increases

Question 3

Signs and symptoms

Answer 3

Remember the body is too “weak”
W- weakness of muscles
E- ECG changes: shortened QT interval, prolonged ST interval
A- absent reflexes, disoriented, constipation, Brady cardia
K- kidney stone formation, kidney stones

Question 4

Nursing interventions

Answer 4

Keep patient hydrated: help decrease kidney stones
Safety
Monitor GI, cardiac, renal
Decrease of calcium rich foods- yogurt, sardines, cheese, spinach, collard greens, tofu, milk
Encourage fiber to prevent constipation
Avoid calcium based antacids
Eliminate calcium supplements and vitamin D
Renal dialysis may be required in a moderate case or use calcium inhibitor: calcitonin