Lecture Notes: Hypocalcemia

Introduction

• Presenter: Air from Registered Nurse Orion.
• Topic: Hypocalcemia (previous video covered Hypercalcemia).
• Focus:
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Mnemonic to remember
  • Causes
  • Nursing interventions
  • Important for lecture exams and NCLEX exam
• Resources: Free quiz on hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia at RegisteredNurseOrion.com.

Understanding Hypocalcemia

• Definition:
  • "Hypo" = low
  • "Calc" = calcium
  • "Emia" = blood
  • Hypocalcemia is low calcium levels in the blood.
• Normal Calcium Levels: 8.6 to 10 mg/dL
• Significance:
  • Bone and teeth health
  • Muscle and nerve function
  • Blood clotting

Causes of Hypocalcemia

• Absorption and Storage:
  • Absorbed in the GI system
  • Stored in bones
  • Excreted by kidneys
• Vitamin D Role: Aids in calcium absorption.
• Calcium and Phosphorus Relationship: Opposites (when one is high, the other is low).
• Mnemonic for Causes: LOW CALCIUM
  • L: Low parathyroid hormone (e.g., after neck surgeries).
  • O: Oral intake inadequate (e.g., alcoholism, bulimia).
  • W: Wound drainage (especially GI).
  • C: Celiac and Crohn's disease (malabsorption issues).
  • A: Acute pancreatitis.
  • L: Low Vitamin D intake.
  • C: Chronic kidney disease.
  • I: Increased phosphorus levels.
  • U: Use of medications (e.g., magnesium supplements, loop diuretics).
  • M: Mobility issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypocalcemia

• Mnemonic: CRAMPS
  • C: Confusion
  • R: Reflexes hyperactive
  • A: Arrhythmias (e.g., prolonged QT interval)
  • M: Muscle spasms (e.g., in calves/feet), seizures
  • P: Positive Trousseau's sign (BP cuff-induced muscle spasm)
  • S: Signs of Chvostek's sign (facial muscle twitching)

Nursing Interventions

• Safety Measures: Prevent bone fractures and monitor for laryngeal spasms.
• Administer IV Calcium:
  • Usually calcium gluconate 10%.
  • Administer slowly, monitor heart rhythm.
  • Prefer central line due to tissue damage risk.
  • Caution with digoxin interaction.
• Administer Oral Calcium with Vitamin D: After meals or at bedtime with water.
• Address High Phosphorus Levels: Use medications like Tums (calcium supplements).
• Encourage Calcium-Rich Foods:
  • Y: Yogurt
  • S: Sardines
  • C: Cheese
  • S: Spinach
  • C: Collard greens
  • T: Tofu
  • R: Rhubarb
  • M: Milk

Conclusion

• Take the quiz on RegisteredNurseOrion.com to test understanding.
• Explore other tutorials on fluid and electrolytes.
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more content.