CALCIUM PREPARATIONS

What % elemental calcium does calcium carbonate contain?

40%

Which oral calcium is better absorbed, especially in older adults?

Calcium citrate

Which hormone enhances calcium absorption in the gut?

PTH

What is the preferred IV calcium for acute hypocalcemia?

Calcium gluconate

Which food decreases calcium absorption?

Spinach

Which lab value reflects normal serum calcium?

8.5–10.5 mg/dL

A patient with kidney disease may receive which calcium form to lower phosphate?

Calcium acetate

Calcium excretion primarily occurs via:

Feces

IV calcium must NOT be given by what route?

IM

Calcium supplements are commonly needed in which population?

Young women

When giving IV calcium, the nurse must monitor:

Cardiac rhythm (ECG)

A patient on digoxin receiving IV calcium is at risk for:

Digoxin toxicity

A patient taking tetracycline and calcium should take them how?

2–3 hours apart

Which is an adverse CNS effect of hypercalcemia?

Disorientation

Prolonged IV calcium infusion requires monitoring for what ECG change?

QT prolongation

In calcium overdose, which sign is likely?

Polyuria

Pregnancy and lactation increase:

Need for calcium

What teaching should the nurse give for oral calcium?

Take with food or after meals

The nurse should check magnesium because:

It must be corrected to treat hypocalcemia

Bran and rhubarb interfere with:

Calcium absorption

A contraindication for calcium supplements is:

Kidney stones

Which drug combo increases calcium toxicity risk?

Digoxin + calcium

The nurse knows hypercalcemia may cause which muscle change?

Weakness

The best food source of calcium is:

Cheese

The nurse should advise the patient to take calcium supplements with:

A full glass of water

What symptom would signal too much calcium intake?

Thirst and dry mouth

A nurse should teach Mrs. Taylor to avoid taking calcium with:

Tetracycline

What symptom signals resolution of hypocalcemia?

No facial twitching

A patient is prescribed calcium carbonate 500 mg BID. What is the % elemental calcium?

40%

Calcium gluconate is used in which emergency?

Severe hypocalcemia

Thiazide diuretics affect calcium how?

Increase calcium retention

The nurse is teaching a patient on phenytoin + calcium. What to teach?

Take at least 2 hours apart

In severe hypercalcemia, the ECG may show:

QT prolongation

For a patient on corticosteroids, calcium is given to:

Prevent osteoporosis

In IV calcium administration, the IV site must be monitored because:

It may cause tissue necrosis