Need to know how to remember hypercalcemia (causes, signs & symptoms, nursing interventions)? This article will give you some clever mnemonics on how to remember hypercalcemia for nursing lecture exams and NCLEX.
In addition, you will learn how to differentiate hypercalcemia from hypocalcemia. Don’t forget to take the hypercalcemia & hypocalcemia quiz.
In this article you will learn:
- Normal Calcium Level
- Role of Calcium in the Body
- Causes of Hypercalcemia
- Signs and Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
- Nursing Interventions for Hypercalcemia
Other Fluid & Electrolyte Quizzes
Teaching Tutorial on Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia
Hyper: excessive
Calc: prefix for calcium
Emia: blood
Meaning of Hypercalcemia: excessive calcium in the blood
Normal calcium levels in the blood: 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL (>10.0 is hypercalcemia)
Calcium plays a huge role in bone and teeth health along with muscle/nerve function, cell, and blood clotting.
Calcium is absorbed in the GI system and stored in the bones and then excreted by the kidneys.
Vitamin D helps play a role calcium absorption.
Causes of Hypercalcemia
Remember “High Cal”
Hyperparathyroidism (high parathyroid hormone causes too much calcium to be released into the blood)
Increased intake of calcium (excessive use of oral calcium or Vitamin D supplements)
Glucocorticoids usage (suppresses calcium absorption which leaves more calcium in the blood)
Hyperthyroidism
Calcium excretion decreased with Thiazide* diuretics & renal failure, cancer of the bones
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)
Lithium usage (affects the parathyroid and causes phosphate to decrease and calcium to increase)
Signs & Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
“The body is too WEAK”
Weakness of muscles (profound)
EKG changes shortened QT interval (most common) and prolonged PR interval
Absent reflexes, absent minded (disorientated), abdominal distention from constipation
Kidney Stone formation
Nursing Interventions for Hypercalcemia
Mild cases of Hypercalcemia
- Keep patient hydrated (decrease chance of renal stone formation)
- Keep patient safe from falls or injury
- Monitor cardiac, GI, renal, neuro status
- Assess for complaints of flank or abdominal pain & strain urine to look for stone formation
- Decrease calcium rich foods and intake of calcium-preserving drugs like thiazides, supplements, Vitamin D
To help you remember foods high in calcium remember the phrase:
“Young Sally’s calcium serum continues to randomly mess-up”
Yogurt
Sardines
Cheese
Spinach
Collard greens
Tofu
Rhubarb
Milk
Moderate cases of Hypercalcemia
Administer calcium reabsorption inhibitors: Calcitonin, Bisphosphonates, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors (ASA, NSAIDS)
Severe cases of Hypercalcemia
Prepare patient for dialysis