What are common signs of hypercalcemia and typical nursing interventions?

What are common signs of hypercalcemia and typical nursing interventions?

• A. Perioral tingling, muscle cramps; give calcium.
• B. Polyuria, constipation, confusion; ensure hydration, monitor heart rhythm, and address underlying cause.
• C. Hypotension and edema; restrict fluids.
• D. Tetany and seizures; give magnesium.

Answer: (B)

Hypercalcemia slows nerve and muscle activity and affects the kidneys, so the most common signs are polyuria, constipation, and confusion. Polyuria happens because elevated calcium impairs the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased urine output and potential dehydration. Constipation occurs from reduced gastrointestinal motility, and confusion reflects CNS effects from high calcium levels. Nursing actions target lowering calcium levels and preventing complications: promote hydration to help dilute and excrete calcium, monitor heart rhythm since high calcium can lead to arrhythmias, and address the underlying cause (such as treating dehydration, managing hyperparathyroidism, or addressing malignancy).

Hypercalcemia slows nerve and muscle activity and affects the kidneys, so the most common signs are polyuria, constipation, and confusion. Polyuria happens because elevated calcium impairs the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased urine output and potential dehydration. Constipation occurs from reduced gastrointestinal motility, and confusion reflects CNS effects from high calcium levels. Nursing actions target lowering calcium levels and preventing complications: promote hydration to help dilute and excrete calcium, monitor heart rhythm since high calcium can lead to arrhythmias, and address the underlying cause (such as treating dehydration, managing hyperparathyroidism, or addressing malignancy).