hypocalcemia

Question 1

causes

Answer 1

-hypoparathyroidism (not enough PTH)
-radical neck surgery
-thyroidectomy
(all of the above=not enough calcium/PTH)
-normal ca level is 9-10.5

Question 2

S/S

Answer 2

THINK MUSCLE

• muscle tone rigid
• pt could have seizure
• stridor/laryngospasm- airway is smooth muscle
• chvostek’s sign-tap cheeck
• trousseau’s sign pump up bp cuff
• arrythmia’s-heart is muscle
• deep tendon reflexes INCREASE
• mind changes
• swallowing problems-esophagus is a smooth muscle
• these are also signs of hypomagnesium

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

• vitamin D

- phospate binders (sevelamer hydrochloride/renagel, calcium acetate/phoslo, calcium carbonate/oscal

Question 4

treatment IV calcium

Answer 4

give slowly and always make sure pt is on a cardiac monitor