Calcium

Question 1

Levels

Answer 1

8.5-10.5 mg/dl

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

Bone formation, neuromuscular function
Controlled by PTH, vit. D, Calcitonin

Question 3

Hypocalcemia

Answer 3

Causes
- magnesium deficiency, large volumes of blood products, hypoalbuminemia (Use Ionized calcium if given (4.6-5.1 mg/dL))
Treatment
ACUTE
- desire 100-300mg elemental calcium over 5-10 minutes
- emergency : 1 gram calcium chloride (270mg elemental Ca)
Preferred : 3 grams of Calcium Gluconate (270mg elemental Ca)
Rate 1gm/Hr
Chronic
- Desired 1-3 grams/ day of elemental Ca
- Tums 650mg by mouth QID
- Calcitoriol 0.25 mcg by mouth twice daily