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
Specialty: Endocrinology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,