NCLEX calcium and magnesium imbalances cheat sheet

Normal calcium levels range between?

Normal calcium levels: 8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL.

Hypocalcemia symptoms include:

- Muscle cramps - Tingling in fingers - Seizures - Cardiac arrhythmias

What is hypercalcemia?

Elevated calcium levels above 10.5 mg/dL, often due to hyperparathyroidism.

Calcium imbalance priority nursing action?

Assess cardiac function and monitor for arrhythmias.

True or False: Hypocalcemia can lead to Trousseau's sign.

True - Trousseau's sign indicates neuromuscular excitability.

Causes of hypocalcemia include:

- Vitamin D deficiency - Chronic kidney disease - Hypoparathyroidism

Hypercalcemia signs may include:

- Nausea - Vomiting - Constipation - Lethargy

Calcium gluconate is used for?

Treatment of hypocalcemia and cardiac protection during hyperkalemia.

Fill in the blank: Calcium plays a crucial role in ________.

Muscle contraction and nerve function.

What lab test indicates calcium levels?

Serum calcium test measures total calcium levels.

Nursing interventions for hypercalcemia include:

- Hydration with IV fluids - Administer diuretics - Monitor cardiac rhythms

Calcium carbonate is commonly used as?

An over-the-counter supplement for calcium deficiency.

What is the role of parathyroid hormone?

Regulates calcium levels by increasing bone resorption.

Difference between hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia?

Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels; Hypercalcemia: High calcium levels.

Signs of severe hypocalcemia?

Convulsions, tetany, and prolonged QT interval.

Formula for calcium administration in mg?

$\displaystyle \frac{mg ext{ of calcium}}{mL} = \frac{desired ext{ dose}}{concentration ext{ in mL}}$

Normal magnesium levels?

1.8 - 2.6 mg/dL - Essential for neuromuscular function. - Important for enzyme activity.

Hypomagnesemia causes?

1. Diuretics 2. Malnutrition 3. Alcohol abuse 4. Gastrointestinal losses

Signs of hypomagnesemia?

1. Muscle cramps 2. Tremors 3. Seizures 4. Arrhythmias

True or False: Hypermagnesemia causes muscle spasms.

False. Hypermagnesemia typically causes muscle weakness and decreased reflexes.

What is hypermagnesemia?

Elevated magnesium levels (>2.6 mg/dL). - Can lead to cardiac arrest. - Important to monitor in renal failure.

Hypomagnesemia treatment? Fill in the blank.

Administer magnesium ______ and encourage dietary sources like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.

Symptoms of hypermagnesemia?

1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Bradycardia 4. Hypotension

Magnesium's role in the body?

1. Muscle function 2. Nerve transmission 3. Energy production 4. DNA synthesis

Nursing action for hypomagnesemia?

Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. - Administer IV magnesium sulfate as ordered.

How does hypermagnesemia affect the heart?

Causes decreased heart rate and possible heart block due to its depressant effect on the myocardium.

Magnesium sulfate IV push rate?

Administer no faster than 1.5 to 2 grams/hour to avoid side effects.

Compare hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia.

- Hypomagnesemia: muscle cramps, seizures - Hypermagnesemia: weakness, hypotension

Key dietary sources of magnesium?

- Nuts - Whole grains - Leafy greens - Legumes

Effect of diuretics on magnesium?

Can cause renal excretion, leading to hypomagnesemia.

Hypermagnesemia nursing interventions?

1. Monitor vital signs 2. Administer calcium gluconate 3. Restrict magnesium intake 4. Prepare for dialysis if severe

True or False: Magnesium is primarily excreted by the liver.

False. Magnesium is primarily excreted by the kidneys.