Hypocalcemia

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Hypoparathyroidism, pancreatitis, kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, massive transfusion.
• Low calcium increases neuromuscular excitability.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

• Assess tingling, tetany, cramps, seizures, and airway spasm.
• Use seizure precautions if severe.
• Monitor ECG/QT and administer calcium as ordered.

Complications

• Laryngospasm
• Seizures
• Dysrhythmias

NCLEX cues

• Chvostek/Trousseau signs.
• Pancreatitis can lower calcium.

Memory hooks

• Low calcium is twitchy.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

• Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.