Electrolytes - Hypocalcemia and Hypercalemia

Calcium disorders can flip a patient’s physiology upside down — and your shelf score with it. From post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia to malignancy-induced hypercalcemia, these electrolyte shifts demand quick recognition and targeted management. In this episode, Chris and Mars break down everything you need to know about hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia for your surgery shelf. You’ll learn how to recognize key signs, connect them to the underlying physiology, and avoid the treatment traps that love to appear in exam vignettes. We cover: ✅ Why ionized calcium is the only number you can truly trust ✅ The post-op red flags for hypoparathyroidism ✅ Citrate toxicity during massive transfusion — when to check, when to treat ✅ How hypomagnesemia sabotages your calcium correction ✅ When to withhold calcium in tumor lysis syndrome ✅ The “stones, bones, groans, and psychiatric overtones” of primary hyperparathyroidism ✅ Rapid-onset inpatient hypercalcemia from malignancy and how to bridge with calcitonin ✅ ECG changes that give away calcium derangements Perfect for medical students prepping for the surgery shelf, and for anyone who wants to lock in their electrolyte game. This one is packed with pathophysiology, shelf tips, and clinical pearls you can use on rounds tomorrow.