Hypercalcemia may occur as a complication of cancer, typically a metastatic tumor involving bone. Hypercalcemia may be treated as an inpatient or as an outpatient, with the choice depending on the clinical status of the patient.
Parameter
Outpatient
Inpatient
serum calcium
< 12.0 mg/dL
>= 12.0 mg/dL
nausea or vomiting
neither significant
one or both present
ability to ingest fluids
able
unable and dehydrated
mental status
normal or fatigue
altered mental status
renal function
normal
renal insufficiency
cardiac rhythm
stable
arrhythmia present
constipation
none to mild
obstipation or ileus
companion at home
present
lives alone
access to emergency care
available
limited or none
where:
• obstipation = intractable constipation
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