Lecture on Hypercalcemia

Introduction

• Presented by Sarah from Registered Nurse RN
• Focus: Hypercalcemia (following up from a previous video on Hypocalcemia)
• Covers:
  • Causes of Hypercalcemia
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Nursing Interventions
  • Mnemonics for memorization
• Reminder to take a quiz on the website after the lecture

Understanding Hypercalcemia

• Terminology:
  • 'Hyper' means excess
  • 'Calcium' refers to the electrolyte
  • 'Emia' pertains to blood
• Normal Calcium Levels:
  • 8.6 to 10 mg/dL
  • Above 10 mg/dL is considered hypercalcemia

Role of Calcium

• Essential for:
  • Bone and teeth health
  • Muscle and nerve function
  • Cell function and blood clotting
• Absorption and Storage:
  • Absorbed in the GI system
  • Stored in bones
  • Excreted by kidneys
• Vitamin D and Calcium:
  • Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption
• Phosphorus Relationship:
  • Phosphorus and calcium have an inverse relationship

Causes of Hypercalcemia (Mnemonic: HIGH CAL)

• H: Hyperparathyroidism
• I: Increased intake of calcium or vitamin D
• G: Glucocorticoids reduce calcium absorption
• H: Hyperthyroidism
• C: Calcium excretion decreased due to thiazide diuretics, renal failure, or bone cancer
• A: Adrenal insufficiency
• L: Lithium usage affecting parathyroid function

Signs and Symptoms (Mnemonic: The body is too weak)

• W: Weakness in muscles, lethargy
• E: EKG changes (shortened QT interval)
• A: Absent reflexes, disorientation, abdominal distension
• K: Kidney stone formation

Nursing Interventions

• Hydration: Prevent kidney stones
• Safety: Prevent falls and injuries due to bone fractures
• Monitoring:
  • Cardiac, GI, renal, and neuro status
  • Heart monitoring for QT interval changes
• Dietary Adjustments:
  • Reduce calcium-rich foods
  • Potentially stop thiazide diuretics, calcium supplements, or vitamin D
  • Foods to avoid:
    • Yogurt, sardines, cheese, spinach, collard greens, tofu, rhubarb, milk
• Pharmacological Interventions:
  • Mild cases: Calcium reabsorption inhibitors like calcitonin
  • Moderate cases: Bisphosphonates, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors
  • Severe cases: Dialysis

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding hypercalcemia for exams and NCLEX
• Encouragement to visit Registered Nurse RN for further quizzes and videos
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more content on electrolyte imbalances