NURS 1260 Miki's Drugs: Calcium Carbonate

Study Notes

Drug Overview

Generic name: Calcium Carbonate
Trade name: Tums
Therapeutic Class: Mineral & Electrolyte replacement/supplements
Pharmacological Class: Antacids

Indications

Treats and prevents hypocalcemia
Helps prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis
Acts as an antacid

Purpose of Use

Miki is taking calcium carbonate to prevent further bone density loss due to osteoporosis and to relieve heartburn or GERD symptoms.

Actions

Essential for proper functioning of nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems
Maintains cell membrane and capillary permeability
Activates nerve impulses and muscle contractions
Crucial for bone formation and blood coagulation

Therapeutic Effects

Replaces calcium in deficiency states, helping maintain bone health.

Side Effects

Life-threatening side effects: None reported
Frequent side effects include:
- Arrhythmias
- Constipation
- Hypercalcemia
Miki experiences nausea as a side effect.

Important Patient Information

Miki has dysphagia and is a former smoker.
She is not taking Vitamin D, which is critical for calcium absorption.
Concurrently taking alendronate; antacids may decrease its absorption.

Contraindications

Hypercalcemia
Renal calculi
Ventricular fibrillation

Cautions

Monitor patients on digitalis glycosides
Consider in cases of severe respiratory insufficiency
Use cautiously in renal or cardiac disease patients

Nursing Actions

Monitor for hypocalcemia symptoms: paresthesia, muscle twitching, laryngospasm, colic, arrhythmias, Chvostek's or Trousseau's sign. Ensure patient safety by elevating side rails and keeping the bed low.
Assess symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain; inspect abdomen and auscultate bowel sounds.
Administer medication 1-1.5 hours after meals and at bedtime.
Dissolve effervescent tablets in water and follow oral doses with a full glass of water.
Avoid concurrent intake with milk products, bran, cereals, spinach, and rhubarb.
Advise against taking enteric-coated tablets (like ASA) within 1 hour of calcium carbonate to prevent premature dissolution.
Do not take within 1-2 hours of other medications if possible.

Client Education

Inform Miki that this medication strengthens bones and alleviates heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.

Description

Test your knowledge on Calcium Carbonate with this flashcard quiz from NURS 1260. Explore the generic and trade names, therapeutic classifications, and pharmacological details. Perfect for nursing students seeking to enhance their understanding of this important medication.