CVS Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

Hypocalcemia is often observed in critically ill and surgical patients due to several factors, including the effects of medications, alterations in metabolism, and shifts in calcium levels caused by various physiological stressors. In critically ill patients, the stress response, along with the underlying conditions and treatments such as surgery, can lead to a depletion of calcium levels in the blood.

Research has shown that a significant proportion of these patients can exhibit low calcium levels, and it is well-documented that hypocalcemia can be present in as many as 80% of critically ill patients. This high prevalence is attributed to factors such as calcium sequestration in various body tissues, nutritional deficiencies, and parathyroid hormone dysregulation. Understanding the impact of intensive care on calcium balance is crucial for managing these patients, as hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Therefore, identifying that up to 80% of critically ill and surgical patients may experience hypocalcemia aligns with clinical observations and studies, making it the correct choice in this scenario.