01
Front
What symptoms can indicate severe hypocalcemia?
Back
Severe hypocalcemia can cause tingling, painful muscle spasms, carpopedal tetany, seizures, or laryngospasm.
Free Online Flashcard Deck
4 Severe Calcium Abnormalities Free Online FlashCards
Study 4 Severe Calcium Abnormalities with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
12 cards
02
Front
What ECG change is typical of hypocalcemia?
Back
Hypocalcemia commonly prolongs the QT interval by lengthening the ST segment.
03
Front
What is the urgent treatment for severe symptomatic hypocalcemia?
Back
Give intravenous calcium gluconate promptly with continuous ECG monitoring.
04
Front
Why should magnesium be checked in hypocalcemia?
Back
Check and correct magnesium deficiency, which can make hypocalcemia difficult to correct.
05
Front
Is oral calcium sufficient for hypocalcemia with seizure or confusion?
Back
No. Seizure or altered mental status requires urgent monitored care and intravenous calcium; oral treatment is too slow for immediate stabilization.
06
Front
When is ionized calcium useful for confirming an abnormality?
Back
Confirm clinically important calcium abnormalities with ionized calcium when possible, especially when albumin is abnormal.
07
Front
What major complications can severe hypercalcemia cause?
Back
It can cause dehydration, acute kidney injury, altered mental status, and cardiac arrhythmias.
08
Front
What ECG change is typical of hypercalcemia?
Back
Severe hypercalcemia typically shortens the QT interval.
09
Front
What is an initial treatment step for severe hypercalcemia?
Back
Begin intravenous 0.9% saline to restore volume, adjusting the rate to cardiac and renal status and monitoring for fluid overload.
10
Front
Why must saline be carefully adjusted in hypercalcemia with heart failure or renal impairment?
Back
No. Restore volume carefully and individualize fluid administration because both conditions increase the risk of fluid overload.
11
Front
What antiresorptive treatments can be used for persistent severe hypercalcemia?
Back
Use a calcium-lowering antiresorptive, such as an intravenous bisphosphonate or denosumab.
12
Front
What role can calcitonin have in severe hypercalcemia?
Back
Calcitonin may be added for a faster, short-term effect while longer-acting therapy takes effect.
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