A 54-year-old female is brought into the ED by her spouse. The client’s spouse tells the nurse the client has been experiencing muscle stiffness, increased perspiration, and anxiety. The nurse obtains bloodwork as ordered by the physician, including a complete blood count and a comprehensive metabolic panel. For which result should the nurse immediately notify the physician?

  • calcium 7.2 mg/dL
  • alkaline phosphatase 120 IU/L
  • sodium 143 mEq/L
  • creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
Number 1 is correct.
The normal lab value for calcium is 8.5 – 10.2 mg/dL. The symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle stiffness/spasms, diaphoresis, and anxiety. The lab values stated are within normal range for alkaline phosphatase, sodium, and creatinine.