Hypocalcemia - ATI priority assessment

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Patient has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings is priority for the nurse to assess:

DTR or

Cardiac Rhythm

I'm guessing its not bowel sounds or peripheral sensation. Is it DTR since that is a common feature of hypoC? But what is the point in assessing that if we already know patient is hypoC? DTR seems more diagnostic.

Cardiac Rhythm seems more important to me, but all ATI says about it is "decreased HR and hypotension". Not sure those qualify as "cardiac rhythms".

I know from Patho we discussed how Ca affects the signal through the SA and AV nodes.

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A slowed cardiac rate

What are the risks associated with this? decreased cardiac output? decreased oxygenation?

What would potentially harm this patient more and should be assessed first? problems with circulation or problems with reflexes?

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A slowed cardiac rate

What are the risks associated with this? decreased cardiac output? decreased oxygenation?

What would potentially harm this patient more and should be assessed first? problems with circulation or problems with reflexes?

THIS!!!

OP - think ABC's (or CAB's as the priorities in BLS has changed).

Circulation, Airway, Breathing...

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Agreed, think of what will harm the patient. Sometimes it feels odd to think a heart rate of 60 or 58 is so serious, but ultimately that is effecting everything else. Without the blood pumping adequately, think of everything that is effected (oxygenation, waste removal, perfusion for major organs, etc). So you may not be looking for a funky rhythm like V fib, but you're still worried. DTR can wait, that heart rate could be an issue NOW not in an hour

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