Which symptom is associated with hypercalcemia?

Which symptom is associated with hypercalcemia?

• A. Renal stones and bone pain
• B. Weight loss and edema
• C. Hypovolemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (C)

Hypercalcemia often leads to dehydration from increased urine output. High calcium impairs the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine by antagonizing the action of antidiuretic hormone in the collecting ducts, which reduces water reabsorption. The result is polyuria and, if fluid intake doesn’t keep up, hypovolemia (volume depletion). While classic complications like renal stones or bone pain describe longer-term effects of hypercalcemia, the acute symptom most tied to the early fluid status is hypovolemia. Hyperkalemia is not a direct consequence of elevated calcium.

Hypercalcemia often leads to dehydration from increased urine output. High calcium impairs the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine by antagonizing the action of antidiuretic hormone in the collecting ducts, which reduces water reabsorption. The result is polyuria and, if fluid intake doesn’t keep up, hypovolemia (volume depletion). While classic complications like renal stones or bone pain describe longer-term effects of hypercalcemia, the acute symptom most tied to the early fluid status is hypovolemia. Hyperkalemia is not a direct consequence of elevated calcium.