Hypercalcemia
Common Causes
Hyperparathyroidism
Malignant neoplasm
Medications
(eg. thiaside diuretics, lithium, estrogens, antiestrogens)
Granulomatous diseases
(eg. TB, sarcoid, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycocsis)
Renal insufficiency
Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hypercalcemia
Neurologic
Fatigue
< MS*
Memory loss (recent)
Coma if severe
GI
Constipation*
Anorexia
N/V
Polyuria*
Polydipsia*
Nocturia
Dry mouth
Weakness
Potentialcomplications
arrhythmias
Our favorite:
Nursing Interventions for > Ca
Increase client exercise/movement
Encourage PO intake (dilute urine)
Teach re foods/fluids – limit >Ca
Encourage > fiber (prevent constipation)
Protect client if confused
Monitor for pathologic fx if >C longterm
Encourage PO intake acid-ash fluids
Eg. prune or cranberry juice
Counteracts Ca salt deposits in the urine
Hyperparathyroidism
80% primary cases due to hyperactive PTH adenoma
15% have PTH hyperplasia
Key Symptoms
Weakness, fatigue
Musculoskeletal
Bone pain
Arthalgia
Neuro
Confusion
Depression
GI
N/V
Constipation
Ulcers
GU
Renal colic
polyuria
Ca+ is the most abundant mineral found in the body (40%, 2% of weight); where is
most of it found (2 places)?
Name the 2 key symptoms of hypercalcemia (similar to another disease).
Hypocalcemia - Causes
Low albumin most common cause
Why? Ca bound to protein (45%) in circulation
< PTH activity can cause < Ca
Vitamin D deficiency
Ca sequestration in critically ill pt.
Eg. soft tissue deposition, increase bone deposition, or chelation
Sepsis
Medications
Eg. drugs used to treat > Ca, or antineoplastic agents
Key Symptoms of hypocalcemia
Paresthesias
Muscle cramps, carpopedal spasm
Tetany, laryngospasm
Lethargy, confusion, psychosis
Seizures
Symptoms of CHF, hypotension, and bradycardia
Potential complications
Fracture
Respiratory arrest
Phosphorus/Phosphate Imbalances
Phosphorus is a primary anion in ICF
Other:
Chemotherapy
Eg. lymphomas
Excessive PO intake of milk or P containing laxatives
large intake Vit D
Increases GI absorption of P
Other Causes:
Alcohol withdrawal
Phosphate-binding antacids
TPN
Glucose administration
Symptoms of < P
Confusion, coma
Rhadomyolysis
Renal tubular wasting of Mg, Ca, HCO3
Arrhythmias, < stroke volume
Muscle weakness, includes resp.
Osteomalacia
hyperkalemia
Magnesium Imbalances
nd
ICF – 2 most common cation
Only 1% found in ECF
50-60% found in bone
Involved in cell metabolism
Cell proteins and nucleic acids
Coenzyme in metabolism of
Carbs amd proteins
Regulated by GI absorption
Excreted by kidneys
Others: whole grains (esp. wheat germ), rolled oats, nuts, seeds
Liver disease
Massive burns
Renal disease
Lose albumin
Majorinfection
Dehydration
Hemoconcentration
Rare
Protein supplements