Calcium

• Calcium is used to strengthen bones and teeth in the human body
• The normal level of calcium is 2.3 - 2.8
• Symptoms of hypercalcemia include fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, depression, memory loss, and coma.
• High calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia
• Low calcium in the blood is hypocalceamia
• Hypercalcaemia is caused by immobilisation, excess or low calcium intake, vitamin d deficiency, carcinoma's with bone metastases
• Hypocalcemia can be caused by kidney disease, magnesium deficiency, pancreatitis, malabsorption syndromes, pregnancy, and drugs such as diuretics and antacids
• Treatment for high levels of calcium includes increasing fluid intake, reducing calcium intake, stopping medications that increase calcium absorption, and treating underlying conditions causing hypercalcemia
• Treatment for low levels of calcium includes taking supplements, consuming foods rich in calcium, and addressing underlying causes like kidney failure, magnesium deficiency, and pancreatitis
• Hypercalcaemia affects the body by causing kidney stones (damage), bone pain which leads to osteoporosis and eventually factures, muscle fatigue, GI mobility and decreased cardiac activity leading to dysthymia
• Hypocalcaemia affects the body by causing tetany, seizures, numbness/tingling sensations, confusion, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of fractures due to weakened bones.
• Nursing interventions for hypocalcaemia include monitoring calcium levels, providing supplements in diet and medication, monitoring vital signs and caring for symptoms.
• Nursing interventions for hypercalcaemia include referral to dietician, patient education and administering medicaitons.