deck 7: calcium quick recall

main signs of hypocalcemia

• mental status changes

• hyperactive reflexes

• diarrhea

• Trousseau sign

• Chvostek sign

• arrhythmias

• possible cardiac arrest

Trousseau sign

hand or wrist spasm when BP cuff is inflated

Chvostek sign

facial twitching when nerve is tapped

hypocalcemia pattern

excitable and twitchy

hypocalcemia interventions

• increase dietary calcium

• give prescribed calcium replacement

medications for hypocalcemia

• IV calcium gluconate

• oral calcium supplements

• aluminum hydroxide to bind phosphate

main signs of hypercalcemia

• muscle weakness

• decreased GI motility

• increased heart rate

• increased BP

hypercalcemia pattern

weak and slow

hypercalcemia interventions

• fluids

• prescribed meds

  • possible hemodialysis

medications for hypercalcemia

• furosemide

• pamidronate

• zoledronic acid

• calcitonin

food sources high in calcium

• fortified cereal

• canned salmon

• spinach

• yogurt

• cheese

• milk