Calcium Levels on NCLEX

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During my studying and practice questions, I've noticed that some resources say the normal serum calcium level is 4.5-5.5, and others say it is 9-11. That's a pretty big difference....does anybody know which one is right for the NCLEX? Am I completely overlooking something about the two different levels?

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Only calcium level I've learned is like 9-11

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I've learned 9-11 or 8-10. I just did a little research. 4.5 - 5.6 is the normal level of calcium flowing freely in your blood (ionized) while serum calcium is attached to protein, which should be from 8-11 mg/dl.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Serum calcium (total) is normally 8.8 to 10.3. Normally 45% of total calcium is ionized/bound.

There are ddx reasons for using both total and ionized values; I am willing to bet for NCLEX-level you should only focus on total calcium (8.8-10.3)

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Great, thank you so much everyone! I'll go with the total serum/9-11 for NCLEX.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Float Pool, MICU, CTICU.

Ionized Calcium is 4.4-5.3. Serum calcium is 8.6-10/10.6.

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