PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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What is the recommended treatment for hypocalcemia?

Oral calcium carbonate
Intravenous calcium gluconate
Vitamin D supplements
Bisphosphonates

The correct answer is: Intravenous calcium gluconate

The recommended treatment for hypocalcemia, particularly in cases where there is severe symptomatic hypocalcemia or when the patient is unable to take oral supplements, is intravenous calcium gluconate. This form of calcium is preferred in acute situations because it provides a rapid increase in serum calcium levels. Intravenous administration allows for immediate availability of calcium to the bloodstream, which is crucial in addressing life-threatening conditions such as tetany or cardiac dysfunction that can arise from very low calcium levels. While oral calcium carbonate is effective for mild hypocalcemia, it takes longer to increase serum calcium than intravenous options and may not be suitable in acute situations or when rapid correction is necessary. Vitamin D supplements can aid in calcium absorption but do not act as a direct treatment for acute hypocalcemia. Bisphosphonates, on the other hand, are primarily used to treat hypercalcemia or slow down bone loss but not to directly address low calcium levels. In summary, intravenous calcium gluconate is the most appropriate choice for immediate management of severe hypocalcemia.