Hypocalcemia Flashcards
what are the causes of hypocal (6)
Low parathyroid hormone
Oral intake inadequate
Wound drainage
Celiac’s & Crohn’s
Acute pancreatitis
Low Vit D levels
what are s/s for hypocal (6)
Confusion
Reflexes hyperactive
Arrhythmias
Muscle spasms (calves/feet, tetany, seizures)
Positive Trousseau’s
Signs og Chvostek’s (facial nerves hyperexcitable)
what is a pos trousseau’s sign
carpopedal spasm of hand when there is decreased blood supply or pressure on nerve
how can we see pos trousseau’s
by inflating BP cuff for several mins & seeing it occur here
what is a pos Chvostek’s sign
spasm of muscles innervated by facial nerve
how can we see a pos Chvostek’s sign
tap facial nerve on cheek
how does a goiter develop
develops as a result of iodine deficiency or inflammation of the thyroid gland
goiters are seen both in which two disorder
hypo & hypercalcemia
what type of ventricular tachycardia rhythm will we see with hypocal
Torsades de Pointes
What other two cardiac effects occur when the pt has hypo cal
decreased cardiac contractility
decreased sensitivity to Digoxin
What two levels can give incorrect levels of Ca when tested
Albumin
Protein
What levels of Ca should be obtained for accurate results
ionized levels
a low mag = a low
cal
a high phosphorus level =
a low cal
a high pH level =
a low cal
PTH highly affects _____
Ca levels
is hypocal an emergency
yes!
how do we treat hypocal
give 10% Ca gluconate slowly
Ca-Chloride
Oral Ca
Vit D
what if we infuse rapidly
can cause cardiac arrest preceded by bradycardia
Keep pt in bed because Ca can cause ______
hypotension
what interventions do we do for hypo cal (5)
identify pt’s @ risk
seizure precautions if severe hypocal
monitor airway
monitor ECG
educate pt: Ca loss & risks & Ca rich foods
what pts are at risk for hypocal (3)
those that have had parathyroid surgery
parathyroid injury
elderly
what foods are rich in Ca
milk products
leafy green veggies
canned salmon
sardines
fresh oysters
