A patient undergoes thyroid surgery, following which he develops perioral tingling. Blood calcium is 8.9 meq/L. Next step is:
High-Yield Explanation
Management of Post-Operative Hypocalcemia: Transient Hypocalcemia Prolonged or permanent Hypocalcemia Asymptomatic with calcium level >8 mg/dl: No Treatment Mild Symptoms or calcium level <8 mg/dl: Oral calcium Severe symptoms: IV Calcium Oral calcium with Vitamin-D If hypocalcemia is expected to be prolonged or permenant (as following a 3 and 1/2 gland parathyroid resection or following total parathyroidectomy with autograft) then oral calcium should be staed as soon as possible with Vitamin-D. Ref: Sabiston 20th edition Pgno: 919