What it means
An IV electrolyte used for severe low blood calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry , for high potassium that affects the heart, for overdose of calcium channel blockers, and during some cardiac arrests. A 10% solution has about three times as much calcium as the same amount of calcium gluconate, and it badly irritates veins and tissue.
For the nurse
Give it only IV, slowly, preferably through a central or large vein, and watch the site: leakage can kill tissue. Monitor the heart rhythm during the dose. Do not mix it in the same line with sodium bicarbonate, which forms a solid.
At a glance
| Drug class | electrolyte replacement (calcium salt) |
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Related terms
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.