Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Electrolytes > Hypocalcaemia > Flashcards

Hypocalcaemia Flashcards

1
Q

What is the normal range of calcium?

A

2.10 - 2.60

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is mild hypocalcaemia?
What is moderate hypocalcaemia?
What is severe hypocalcaemia?

A

Mild: 2.00 - 2.10
Moderate: 1.9 - 2.00
Severe: <1.9

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the main clinical manifestation of hypocalcaemia?

A

Various forms of tetany.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is tetany?

A

Repetitive discharge of peripheral nerves after a single stimulus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What symptoms are related to tetany?

A

Perioral parasthesias
Muscle stiffness, spasms, cramps
Shortness of breath (due to diaphragmatic spasms)
Diaphoresis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Other than tetany, what symptoms are associated with hypocalcaemia?

A

Hypotension

Emotional lability / psychosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What ECG changes are associated with hypocalcaemia?

A

Long QT interval (T wave happens a long time after QRS complex)

Long QT interval is more than 11 small squares from beginning of QRS to end of T.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the main categories of causes of hypocalcaemia?

A

Low Ca intake
Vitamin D deficiency (Vitamin D stimulates calcium resoprtion)
PTH deficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is calcitriol?

A

The active form of vitamin D. It stimulates:

  • Calcium absorption in the gut
  • Calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules
  • Bone resorption

More calcitriol —> more calcium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the most common cause of hypocalcaemia?

A

Hypoparathyroidism

Typically secondary to surgical thyroidectomy, other neck surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What causes hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Surgical thyroidectomy
  • Radioactive iodine therapy for Grave’s/thyroid cancer
  • Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the main causes of vitamin D deficiency?

A
  • Poor dietary intake

- Poor UV exposure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name some miscellaneous medical conditions that can cause hypocalcaemia:

A 
Osteoblastic bone mets
Pancreatitis
Acute respiratory alkalosis (Ca becomes bound to albumin, dropping ionised Ca)
Hyperphosphataemia
Bisphosphonates
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How do you treat hypocalcaemia?

A

Supplementation of:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Magesium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the main forms of oral calcium?

A

Calcium carbonate

Calcium citrate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Who is eligible for IV Ca replacement?

A 
Severe symptoms (tetany/seizures)
ECG changes (prolonged QT interval)
Abrupt decrease
17
Q

What is the main form of IV Ca?

A

Calcium gluconate

18
Q

When is vitamin D supplementation required?

A

When hypocalcaemia is due to:

  • hypoparathyroidism
  • vitamin D deficiency
19
Q

What must you always do before you attempt to correct Ca levels?

A

First check and correct magnesium.

Electrolytes (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions