Monday, November 11, 2019

A nurse is caring for a newborn infant. Blood samples for serum chemistries are drawn, and the total calcium level is reported as 8.0 mg/dL



A nurse is caring for a newborn infant. Blood samples for serum chemistries are drawn, and the total calcium level is reported as 8.0 mg/dL. The nurse interprets this laboratory value as:
a- Lower than normal
b- Higher than normal
c- A normal value
d- Requiring physician notification.
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Blood calcium test:

What is the blood calcium test?
The blood calcium test measures the amount of calcium in the blood. Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It is necessary for the health of bones and teeth. Calcium is also essential for the proper functioning of nerves, muscles and the heart. Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones. The remaining 1% circulates in the blood. An excessive or insufficient amount of calcium in the blood could be a sign of bone disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease or other medical problems.
Other names: total calcium, ionized calcium

For what do you use it?
There are two types of blood calcium tests:
- Total calcium: Measures calcium bound to specific blood proteins.
- Ionized calcium Measures "free" calcium, which is not bound to these proteins.
The total calcium test is usually part of a routine test called a basic metabolic panel. The basic metabolic panel measures the different minerals and other substances in the blood, including calcium.

Why do I need a blood calcium test?
Your doctor or health care professional may request a basic metabolic panel, which includes the blood calcium test, as part of a routine checkup or if you have symptoms of abnormal calcium levels.

Some of the symptoms of high calcium levels include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Urinate more frequently.
- Increased thirst.
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain.
- Lack of appetite.

Some of the symptoms of low calcium levels are:
- Tingling of the lips, tongue, fingers or feet.
- Muscle cramps.
- Muscle spasms.
- Irregular heartbeats.

Many people with high or low calcium levels have no symptoms. Your doctor or health care professional may ask for a calcium test if you have a pre-existing medical problem that could affect your calcium levels, for example:
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Malnutrition
- Certain types of cancer

What happens during a blood calcium test?
A healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein in an arm with a small needle. After inserting the needle, draw a small amount of blood that you put in a test tube or vial. You may feel mild discomfort when the needle is inserted or removed, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.

Should I do something to prepare for the test?
The blood calcium test and the basic metabolic panel do not require any special preparation. If your doctor or healthcare professional has requested other tests with your blood sample, you may have to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your doctor or health professional will tell you if you should follow any special instructions.

Does this test have any risk?
The risks of a blood test are minimal. You may feel mild pain or a bruise will form where the needle is inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?
If your results indicate higher than normal calcium levels, it could indicate:
- Hyperparathyroidism: Medical problem in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone
- Bone disease of Paget: Makes the bones become too large, weak and prone to fractures
- Excessive use of antacids containing calcium
Excessive calcium intake in vitamin D supplements or milk
- Certain types of cancer
If your results indicate lower than normal calcium levels, it could indicate:
- Hypoparathyroidism: Medical problem in which the parathyroid glands produce very little parathyroid hormone
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Magnesium deficiency
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Kidney disease
If your calcium test results are not within normal limits, that does not necessarily mean that you have a medical problem that requires treatment. Other factors, such as diet and certain medications, can affect calcium levels. If you have questions about your results, check with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Should I know more about the blood calcium test?
The blood calcium test does not tell you how much calcium you have in the bones. Bone health can be measured with a type of x-ray called bone densitometry or DEXA exam. This test measures the mineral content, including calcium, and other bone characteristics.