How do you diagnose hypercalcemia?
How do you diagnose hypercalcemia?
How is hypercalcemia diagnosed? Your doctor can use blood tests to check the calcium level in your blood. Urine tests that measure calcium, protein, and other substances can also be helpful. If your doctor finds a high calcium level, they’ll order more tests to find out the cause of your condition.
What are the laboratory investigations of hypercalcemia?
Laboratory testing includes parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing, testing to identify organ involvement, and, in the event of low PTH, testing for cancer.
What is the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia?
Other than primary hyperparathyroidism, the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia in a patient with an elevated PTH is lithium use, MEN syndromes, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.
How is hypocalcemia diagnosed?
Definitive diagnosis of hypocalcemia requires a blood test for calcium. Calcium is a common blood test often performed with other tests as part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or a complete metabolic panel (CMP). Calcium is usually first assessed through a total calcium blood test.
What interventions should the nurse perform when administering calcium to the patient?
Nursing interventions for the calcium-deficient patient include monitoring serial lab values and continuous cardiac monitoring. Nurses must assess for signs of neuromuscular excitability including tetany and Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
What is the main cause of hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is caused by: Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism). This most common cause of hypercalcemia can stem from a small, noncancerous (benign) tumor or enlargement of one or more of the four parathyroid glands.
What is the most important laboratory test for the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia?
Intact PTH is the most important test in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia. 24 hour urine calcium and calcium to creatinine ratio are helpful. PTHrP should be measured if cancer is suspected. Tests for other causes of hypercalcemia should be ordered for differential diagnosis.
What are the major causes of hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is caused by:
- Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism).
- Cancer.
- Other diseases.
- Hereditary factors.
- Immobility.
- Severe dehydration.
- Medications.
- Supplements.
How can hypercalcemia be prevented?
How can hypercalcemia be prevented? Not all hypercalcemia can be prevented, but avoiding excess intake of calcium pills and calcium-based antacid tablets is recommended. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have a family history of high calcium, kidney stones or parathyroid conditions.
How does the nurse assess for hypocalcemia?
Blood test – blood samples are tested for calcium, free or ionized calcium, and albumin levels. It may also include testing for the parathyroid hormone levels. A blood calcium level indicating a higher or lower than normal calcium levels is indicative to make a diagnosis.
What is the cause of hypercalcemia?
What are the nursing diagnosis for hypercalcemia?
Nursing Diagnosis: Electrolyte Imbalance related to hypocalcemia as evidenced by serum potassium level of 7.5 mg/dL, fatigue, muscular cramps, weakness, paresthesia in the perioral and distal extremities, and myoclonic jerk.