Renal and electrolyte disorders

Nursing Care of the Hospitalized Older Patient

“…When GFR falls below 60 milliliters per minute, PTH may not be fully excreted leading to hypercalcemia. All persons with impaired renal function should have calcium levels monitored (Patel & Wiggins, 2007). Hypercalcemia is also associated with hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, malignancy, milk alkali syndrome (a condition in which there are high levels of calcium and a shift towards metabolic alkalosis caused by drinking too much milk (which is high in calcium) and taking certain antacids, especially calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), over a long period of time), medications (e.g., thiazide diuretics, calcium, and vitamin D), and prolonged periods of immobility.…”