Get a free nursing lab values cheat sheet at NURSING.com/63labs

What is the Lab Name for Calcium (Ca+) Lab Values?

Calcium

What is the Lab Abbreviation for Calcium?

Ca+

What is Calcium in terms of Nursing Labs?

Calcium (Ca+), a positive ion in the body, is necessary for neuromuscular processes, bone mineralization, and hormonal secretion. The parathyroid gland and vitamin D are responsible for calcium regulation in the body. In the blood, about half of calcium travels in ion form, the other half is bound to proteins like albumin. When albumin levels are low, calcium levels will appear lower. Calcium has an important relationship with phosphorus: they are inversely proportional.

What is the Normal Range for Calcium?

8.4-10.2 mg/dL

What are the Indications for Calcium?

• Identify problems with:
  • Parathyroid
  • Neuromuscular functions
  • Diseases that affect bone
  • Effectiveness of treatments.

What would cause Increased Levels of Calcium?

• Cancers:
  • Breast, lung, and multiple myeloma are the most common
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Acidosis
• Renal transplant
• Sarcoidosis
• Vitamin D toxicity
• Dehydration

What would cause Decreased Levels of Calcium?

• Malnutrition
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Alkalosis
• Hypomagnesemia
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Hyperphosphatemia
• Malabsorption
• Alcoholism
• Osteomalacia
• Vitamin D deficiency