Wk 3 Calcium Imbalances Flashcards
What is the main function of calcium?
Effects membrane and nerve excitability
only 1% of calcium resides in the cells and half of that is…
protein bound and the other half is ionized/available for use
What is the main cause of hypercalcemia?
Hyperparathyroidism
What is the other main cause of hypercalcemia?
Hematologic cancers
What is it called when cancer cells secrete substances that don’t really make any sense?
Paraneoplastic disorders
What is an example of a paraneoplastic disorder?
A person will lung cancer will secrete calcium
What is the number one reason for someone having hypocalcemia?
Renal failure
What is another major reason for hypocalcemia?
Deficient parathyroid or removal of the parathyroid
What is a less common reason for hypocalcemia?
Multiple blood transfusions
Excess calcium is like a sedative in that…
patient will have reduced cell excitability of muscles and nerves
Confusion, psychosis, seizures, and coma are symptoms of…
hypercalcemia
If someone is mildly hypercalcemic
Stop calcium meds
Low calcium diet
increase weight bearing exercises
maintain adequate hydration
If someone is severely hypercalcemic
IV isotonic saline
Biphosphonate and calcitonin injections
What is the gold standard for treatment of hypercalcemia if it is caused by cancer?
pamidronate
Calcitonin does what?
Rapidly increases renal calcium excretion but is not a long-term solution
