Calcium Carbonate Flashcards

Study Notes

Calcium Carbonate Overview

Generic Name: Calcium Carbonate; Trade Name: Tums
Acts as an antacid and a mineral replacement supplement.

Indications

Treats and prevents hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Prevents postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Alleviates acid indigestion and heartburn symptoms.
Manages hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease.

Usage Rationale

Used for osteoporosis as a mineral replacement to prevent further bone loss and minimize fracture risk.
Serves as an antacid for persistent heartburn and GERD symptoms.

Mechanism of Action

Essential for the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems; aids in cell membrane and capillary permeability.
Serves as an activator for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Necessary for bone formation and blood coagulation.

Desired Therapeutic Effects

Replenishes calcium in deficiency states.
Controls hyperphosphatemia without increasing aluminum absorption.

Critical Side Effects

Central Nervous System: headache, tingling.
Cardiovascular: bradycardia, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest.
Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, constipation.
Genitourinary: calculi formation, hypercalciuria.

Client-specific Side Effects

Nausea may be experienced.

Importance to Client

Client has dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Not currently taking Vitamin D.
Taking Alendronate for osteoporosis treatment.
Uses enteric-coated (EC) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets.

Contraindications

Not suitable for individuals with hypercalcemia, renal calculi, or ventricular fibrillation.
Use cautiously in patients with:
- Digitalis glycosides.
- Severe respiratory insufficiency.
- Renal and cardiac disease.

Nursing Actions

Administer 1-1.5 hours after meals and at bedtime to prevent premature dissolution.
Crush tablets for clients with dysphagia; ensure effervescent tablets are fully dissolved in thickened water.
Follow oral doses with a glass of water to aid absorption.

Patient Education

Regular exercise can halt and even reverse bone loss.
Medication strengthens bones.
Monitor for potential constipation side effects.
Avoid taking with spinach, cereals, or dairy products.
Aim to separate doses from other medications by at least 1-2 hours if possible.

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential information regarding Calcium Carbonate, including its drug names, classifications, and indications. It's a useful resource for students and healthcare professionals to reinforce their understanding of this important medication. Test your knowledge and memory on key aspects of Calcium Carbonate.