K.N.O.W. Home Health - HYPOCALCEMIA

HYPOCALCEMIA

What It Is

Hypocalcemia means there is not enough calcium in your blood. Calcium is a mineral your body needs to keep your bones strong, your muscles working, your heart beating normally, and your nerves sending signals.

Causes and Risk Factors

You may develop hypocalcemia if:

Your parathyroid glands (in your neck) are damaged or removed.
You don’t get enough calcium or vitamin D from food.
Your body has trouble absorbing nutrients (for example, after certain surgeries or from stomach/intestinal diseases).
You take medicines that lower calcium (such as some seizure drugs or diuretics).
You have kidney disease.
You have low magnesium levels.
You have certain types of cancer or severe infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Tingling or numbness in lips, tongue, fingers, or toes.
Muscle cramps or spasms.
Twitching of facial muscles.
Feeling irritable or anxious.

More serious symptoms:

Trouble breathing.
Seizures.
Confusion.
Irregular heartbeats.

Complications if Untreated or with Poor Compliance

If not treated, hypocalcemia can cause:

Weak, brittle bones.
Severe muscle spasms (tetany).
Heart rhythm problems (can be life-threatening).
Seizures or loss of consciousness.

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Treatment depends on the cause and how low your calcium is:

Calcium supplements (pills or liquid).
Vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.
Treating the cause (such as kidney or parathyroid problems).
Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Self-care includes:

Taking medicine exactly as ordered.
Eating healthy foods with enough calcium.
Getting regular lab tests to check your calcium levels.

Common Types of Medications

Calcium carbonate or calcium citrate – replaces calcium.
- Side effects: constipation, upset stomach.
Vitamin D supplements (cholecalciferol or calcitriol) – helps your body absorb calcium.
- Side effects: nausea, high calcium if taken too much.
Magnesium supplements if your magnesium is low.

Dietary Needs & Lifestyle Changes

Eat foods high in calcium: milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, kale, almonds, canned salmon with bones.
Get vitamin D from sunlight, eggs, fortified milk, and fatty fish.
Avoid too much caffeine and soda, which can lower calcium.
Stay active to keep bones strong.

Safety Considerations

If you have muscle cramps, tingling, or irregular heartbeat, get help quickly.
Use caution if you feel weak or dizzy to prevent falls.
Take medicines exactly as ordered to avoid dangerous highs or lows in calcium.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Keep all follow-up appointments.
Get regular lab tests for calcium, vitamin D, and kidney function.
Take your supplements every day.
Eat a balanced diet.

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

You notice tingling or numbness in lips, fingers, or toes.
You have mild muscle cramps or twitching.
You feel more tired, weak, or confused than usual.

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if:

You have trouble breathing.
You have a seizure.
You have chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
You cannot wake up or stay awake.

Patient Homework / Assessment – 20 True or False Statements Please correct all False statements.

(Circle the correct answer)

True or False – Hypocalcemia means there is too much calcium in your blood.
True or False – Tingling in your lips or fingers can be an early warning sign of hypocalcemia.
True or False – One cause of hypocalcemia can be low vitamin D levels.
True or False – Calcium helps keep bones, muscles, and nerves healthy.
True or False – Skipping your calcium medicine can make hypocalcemia worse.
True or False – Kidney disease can cause hypocalcemia.
True or False – Muscle cramps and twitching are signs of low calcium.
True or False – Drinking a lot of soda can help increase calcium levels.
True or False – Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from food.
True or False – You should take your calcium and vitamin D exactly as ordered by your doctor.
True or False – Confusion and seizures can happen if hypocalcemia is severe.
True or False – Eating foods like dairy, leafy greens, and canned salmon can help prevent low calcium.
True or False – Hypocalcemia can cause heart rhythm problems.
True or False – It is safe to stop your supplements when you feel better without asking your doctor.
True or False – Staying active can help keep your bones strong.
True or False – You should call your doctor if you have mild tingling in your fingers or lips.
True or False – Trouble breathing is a reason to go to the ER right away.
True or False – Magnesium levels do not affect calcium levels.
True or False – Taking too much vitamin D can cause problems.
True or False – Getting sunlight can help your body make vitamin D.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Questions for This Condition

What was your last blood calcium level, and what range did your doctor say is normal for you?
What is your most recent vitamin D level, and what is the goal your provider wants?
Has your magnesium level been checked recently, and what was the result?
Which calcium supplement are you taking, and how often?
Are you taking vitamin D, and if so, what dose?
What foods do you eat every day to help keep your calcium levels up?
Have you noticed any muscle cramps, tingling, or irregular heartbeat lately?
Do you know when to call your home health nurse or go to the ER for hypocalcemia symptoms?