Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Hypercalcemia, which is an elevated level of calcium in the blood, can present with a distinct set of signs and symptoms related to the effects of high calcium levels on various body systems. Among these symptoms, diffuse body aches and bradycardia are common.

When calcium levels rise significantly, they can affect the cardiovascular system, often leading to bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate. Additionally, hypercalcemia can lead to an overall malaise or discomfort, often described as body aches. This occurs because elevated calcium can affect muscle and joint tissues, leading to general discomfort.

In contrast, increased deep tendon reflexes and hyperactivity can be associated with hypercalcemia, but those symptoms are more commonly tied to hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia. Elevated blood glucose and hypernatremia, while potentially occurring in various medical conditions, are not direct manifestations of hypercalcemia. Lastly, low calcium levels and renal dysfunction would indicate a state contrary to hypercalcemia, as they imply either a deficiency in calcium or a problem with renal handling of calcium.

Thus, recognizing diffuse body aches and bradycardia as common symptoms of hypercalcemia underscores the importance of understanding the physiological impacts of elevated calcium levels, particularly