HyperCalcemia

Description: Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics Discussion: - physical properties - state in body fluids - calcium is a necessary & important addition to cell membranes, giving strength to these structures and regulating permeability; - physiologic roles of calcium are well established; - abnormally low concentrations of Ca permit spontaneous discharges of both sensory & motor fibers in peripheral nerves, leading to tetany; - see depolarization and calcium regulation of muscle contraction; - w/ elevated levels, nerve impulses are blocked, leading to coma; - normal levels: - serum: 4.2-5.3 mEq/L or 8.5-10.5 mg/dL; - ionized: 2.24-2.46 mEq/L or 4.48-4.92 mg/dL