4 Calcium and Magnesium Imbalances Free Online FlashCards

Why assess magnesium when hypokalemia persists despite replacement?

Low magnesium can contribute to hypokalemia and make it difficult to correct. Assess and treat magnesium as prescribed.

How can low albumin affect total calcium results?

Low albumin can lower total calcium even when ionized calcium is normal. Ionized calcium is especially useful when results or symptoms are unclear.

What serious symptoms can severe hypocalcemia cause?

Severe hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, causing symptoms such as tingling, cramps, hyperreflexia, and tetany. Laryngospasm and seizures are serious warning signs.

What findings can occur with hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia may cause constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, weakness, thirst, frequent urination, and kidney stones. More marked elevations can cause confusion, stupor, or coma.

What complications can worsening hypomagnesemia cause?

Hypomagnesemia can cause tremor, cramps, fasciculations, hyperreflexia, tetany, seizures, personality changes, and arrhythmias. Hypocalcemia and hypokalemia may occur at the same time.

Why does renal impairment matter during magnesium replacement?

Renal impairment raises the risk of magnesium accumulation. Use prescribed replacement cautiously and monitor closely, including relevant vital signs, urine output, ECG, and laboratory results as ordered.

What signs suggest worsening hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia can cause lethargy, weakness, diminished or absent deep-tendon reflexes, hypotension, and respiratory depression. Severe toxicity can cause cardiac arrest.

How can calcium and magnesium supplements affect medicine absorption?

Magnesium can interfere with absorption of some antibiotics and oral bisphosphonates; calcium can interfere with levothyroxine and some antibiotics. Check instructions and consult a pharmacist or prescriber about spacing.

What ECG changes may occur with severe hypocalcemia?

Severe hypocalcemia can prolong the QTc and ST intervals and may cause arrhythmias or heart block.

What precautions apply when IV calcium is prescribed?

IV calcium may be prescribed for severe symptoms such as tetany. Give it slowly with ECG monitoring when indicated, and use particular caution with digoxin.

What ECG change may occur with severe hypercalcemia?

Severe hypercalcemia can shorten the QTc. Arrhythmias may occur, particularly in people taking digoxin.

What should be monitored during prescribed IV-fluid treatment for hypercalcemia?

Use extra caution with IV fluids in heart failure or kidney impairment. Monitor fluid status and electrolytes, including potassium and magnesium, during prescribed treatment.