Following thyroidectomy, which medication is used to treat acute hypocalcemia?

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Multiple Choice

Following thyroidectomy, which medication is used to treat acute hypocalcemia?

Explanation:
After thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be damaged or removed, causing a drop in parathyroid hormone and a rapid decrease in calcium. In this acute situation, rapidly raising calcium levels is essential to relieve symptoms like tingling, muscle cramps, and tetany. IV calcium gluconate is the standard treatment because it quickly increases circulating calcium and helps stabilize nerve and muscle excitability. The other options don’t address calcium deficiency: potassium chloride treats low potassium, magnesium sulfate treats low magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate treats metabolic acidosis.

After thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be damaged or removed, causing a drop in parathyroid hormone and a rapid decrease in calcium. In this acute situation, rapidly raising calcium levels is essential to relieve symptoms like tingling, muscle cramps, and tetany. IV calcium gluconate is the standard treatment because it quickly increases circulating calcium and helps stabilize nerve and muscle excitability. The other options don’t address calcium deficiency: potassium chloride treats low potassium, magnesium sulfate treats low magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate treats metabolic acidosis.

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