Electrolytes Made Simple (Part 3): Calcium, Magnesium & Life-Threatening Imbalances Explained
In this episode of Nursing School Week by Week, we dive into calcium and magnesium imbalances, breaking down what every nursing student needs to know about hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, and hypomagnesemia.
You’ll learn:
✅ The critical roles of calcium and magnesium in muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting.
✅ How to recognize life-threatening electrolyte imbalances in your nursing assessments.
✅ Nursing interventions for managing dangerous lab values.
✅ Real-life case studies to help you connect electrolyte disturbances with NCLEX-style nursing questions.
Understanding electrolytes is essential for passing nursing school exams, NCLEX prep, and providing safe patient care. Tune in to get clear, easy-to-remember nursing mnemonics and cheat sheets that will stick in your brain for test day and beyond!
👉 Listen now and take your nursing knowledge to the next level!
Mastering Electrolytes: Understanding Calcium and Magnesium in Nursing
In this final installment of the Electrolytes series at Nursing School Week by Week, the focus is on calcium and magnesium. The role of calcium extends beyond strong bones to muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, while magnesium maintains muscle and nerve functions. Detailed signs of imbalances such as Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs for hypocalcemia and symptoms of hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia are discussed. Practical case studies emphasize the critical application of lab values in real clinical scenarios. Key strategies for patient education and ways to handle electrolyte imbalances through diet, medication, and IV fluids are elaborated. The episode also provides tips from successful nursing students, stressing the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind electrolyte levels and continuous practice. The discussion concludes with real-life case scenarios for deeper insight into how imbalances impact patient care and the importance of vigilant nursing assessments.
00:00 Introduction to the Final Electrolyte Series
01:03 Understanding Calcium: Beyond Strong Bones
03:52 Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Electrolyte Balance
06:11 Electrolyte Review Questions
08:33 Life-Threatening Electrolyte Emergencies
11:15 Diet and Electrolyte Balance
17:32 Patient Education on Electrolytes
24:11 Case Studies: Real-Life Electrolyte Imbalances
32:06 Key Takeaways and Conclusion
Try Picmonic for Free, or save 20% on a subscription with this link.
Connect with me on:
Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a
Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/
Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!)
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
