HYPOCALCEMIA: POST-THYROIDECTOMY

Course overview

Hypocalcemia, defined as total serum calcium concentration of < 8.4 mg/dL, can be a complication of bilateral thyroidectomy (i.e., surgical thyroid gland removal; more commonly called total thyroidectomy [TT]) from damage to the parathyroid gland during surgery. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.