What is a normal calcium level?

Normal calcium is 9.0–10.5 mg/dL (total). Use your facility's reference range.

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

Tingling lips/fingers, Trousseau (BP-cuff hand spasm) & Chvostek (facial twitch) signs, Tetany, laryngospasm, Prolonged QT.

Normal 9.0–10.5 mg/dL (total)

Why it matters

Nerve/muscle excitability damper, clotting, bone. Low calcium = twitchy; high calcium = sluggish.

LOW — Hypocalcemia (< 9.0)

Causes

Post-thyroid/parathyroid surgeryRenal failureLow albumin (correct it)Pancreatitis, massive transfusion

Signs

Tingling lips/fingersTrousseau (BP-cuff hand spasm) & Chvostek (facial twitch) signsTetany, laryngospasmProlonged QT

Nursing actions

Post-neck-surgery patients: this is YOUR complication to catch — ask about tingling
Seizure/airway watch at severe levels
IV calcium per orders (slow, on a pump)
Correct for albumin or get ionized Ca

HIGH — Hypercalcemia (> 10.5)

Causes

Malignancy (bone mets)HyperparathyroidismImmobilityThiazides, excess antacids

Signs

'Stones, bones, groans, moans': kidney stones, bone pain, GI complaints, confusionMuscle weaknessPolyuria, dehydrationShortened QT

Nursing actions

Source: Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th ed.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.