1. What is the normal serum levels of calcium?

4.5-5.8 mEq/L or 8.5-10.5 mg/dL

2. What is the cycle of calcitonin/PTH in the body (in response to serum calcium levels)?

rising serum calcium decreases PTH and increases calcitonin, and falling serum calcium levels lead to increased PTH production

3. What is the effect of calcitonin?

inhibits the action of osteoclasts on the body (in the extracellular fluid)

4. What is the indirect effect of PTH on calcium levels?

production of Vitamin D from the kidney derivative, thus VD creates a greater absorption of Ca++ from the intestinal tract

5. What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

increased bone resorption, osteoporosis, elevated serum calcium (renal stone and other depositions), ulcers, pnacreatitis, CNS problems

6. What is the ancronym of remembering the effects of hyperparathyroidism?

'moans, groans (ulcers and pancreatitis), stones and bones'

7. What are the treatments for hyperparathyroidism?

calcitonin -- lowers blood calcium levels

8. What are the indications for calcitonin?

Paget's disease as well as hyperparathyroidism

9. What are the contraindications of calcitonin?

allergies to fish cause allergic reactions, use skin test first

10. When should calcitonin be taken and how?

at bedtime to minimize nausea --> through IM, intranasal, and SC only