Question

Active Learning Template - Basic Concept

ATI Chapter 44

Electrolyte Imbalances: Findings Associated with Hypocalcemia

" Basic Concept ศ

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Underlying Principles

Nursing Interventions

Answer 1

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Any condition that causes a decrease in the production of PTH may result in the development of hypocalcaemia.It is a serum calcium level lower than 8.6mg/dl

Principles

Hypocalcaemia may occur with surgical removal of a portion of or injury to the parathyroid glands during tyroid or neck injury.Lipolysis a consequence of pancreatitis ,produces fatty acid that combines with calcium ions ,decreasing serum calcium levels.The patient who recieves multiple blood transfusions can become hypocalcaemic because the citrate used to anticoagulate the blood binds with the calcium.Sudden alkalosis may also result in symptomatic hypocalcaemia despite a normal total serum calcium level.The high pH increases calcium binding to protein ,decreasing the amount of ionized calcium .Hypocalcaemia may occur if the diet is low in calcium or if there is increased loss of calcium due to laxative abuse and malabsorption syndromes .

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor cardiovascular,respiratory,neuromuscular and gastrointestinal status;place the client on a cardiac monitor.
• Administer calcium supplements orally or calcium intravenously.
• When administering calcium intravenously ,warm the injection solution to body temperature before administration and administer slowly.
• Administer medications that increase calcium absorption.
• Provide a quiet environment to reduce environment stimuli
• Initiate seizure precautions
• Instruct the client to consume food high in high in calcium.