Calcium
Calcium
- Functions
- Formation of teeth and bone
- Blood clotting
- Transmission of nerve impulses
- Myocardial contractions
- Muscle contractions
- Balance controlled by
- Parathyroid hormone
- Calcitonin
- Hypercalcemia
- High levels of serum calcium caused by
- Hyperparathyroidism (two thirds of cases)
- Malignancy
- Manifestations
- Fatigue, lethargy, weakness, confusion
- Hallucinations, seizures, coma
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Bone pain, fractures, nephrolithiasis
- Polyuria, dehydration
- Nursing diagnosis
- Risk for electrolyte imbalance related to excessive bone destruction
- Risk for activity intolerance related to generalized muscle weakness
- Risk for injury related to neuromuscular and sensorium changes
- Potential complication: dysrhythmias
- Nursing implementation
- Excretion of Ca with loop diuretic
- Hydration with isotonic saline infusion
- Low calcium diet
- Mobilization
- Bisphosphonates
- IM or SC calcitonin
- High levels of serum calcium caused by
- Hypocalcemia
- Low serum Ca levels caused by
- Decreased production of PTH
- Multiple blood transfusions
- Alkalosis
- Increased calcium loss
- Manifestations
- Positive Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s sign
- Laryngeal stridor
- Dysphagia
- Tingling around the mouth or in the extremities
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Nursing diagnosis
- Risk for electrolyte imbalance related to decreased PTH level
- Ineffective breathing pattern related to laryngospasm
- Acute pain related to sustained muscle contractions
- Risk for injury related to tetany and seizures
- Potential complications: fracture, respiratory arrest
- Low serum Ca levels caused by