Hypocalcemia can result in which of the following?

• A. Tetany, laryngeal stridor, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Answer: (A)

Low calcium makes nerve and muscle cells more excitable, so symptoms reflect increased excitability of the neuromuscular system and heart. When calcium is low, nerves fire more readily, leading to muscle cramps and spasms known as tetany. The laryngeal muscles can also spasm, producing stridor and potentially airway compromise. The heightened brain excitability can precipitate seizures. In the heart, calcium is crucial for contraction and electrical conduction; hypocalcemia can prolong the QT interval and predispose to dangerous rhythms, i.e., cardiac dysrhythmias.

Hypertension isn’t a typical direct consequence of low calcium, and hyperkalemia or hypernatremia aren’t expected results of hypocalcemia, so they don’t fit this scenario.