What is given to treat transfusion-related hypocalcemia?

What is given to treat transfusion-related hypocalcemia?

• A. Calcium chloride
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Potassium chloride
• D. Sodium bicarbonate

Answer: (B)

Transfusion-related hypocalcemia happens because citrate from stored blood binds calcium, lowering ionized calcium and impairing cardiac and neuromuscular function. Replacing calcium is the fix, and calcium gluconate is preferred for IV use because it reliably replenishes calcium with a lower risk of vein irritation or tissue damage if the IV line is peripheral. Calcium chloride provides more calcium per dose and is more caustic to veins, so it’s typically reserved for central lines or situations needing rapid correction. Potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate don’t address low calcium at all. So calcium gluconate is the best choice to treat this condition.

Transfusion-related hypocalcemia happens because citrate from stored blood binds calcium, lowering ionized calcium and impairing cardiac and neuromuscular function. Replacing calcium is the fix, and calcium gluconate is preferred for IV use because it reliably replenishes calcium with a lower risk of vein irritation or tissue damage if the IV line is peripheral. Calcium chloride provides more calcium per dose and is more caustic to veins, so it’s typically reserved for central lines or situations needing rapid correction. Potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate don’t address low calcium at all. So calcium gluconate is the best choice to treat this condition.