What is the specific calcium gluconate dose used in crush injury treatment?

What is the specific calcium gluconate dose used in crush injury treatment?

• A. Calcium Gluconate IV 1 g of a 10% solution (10 mL)
• B. Calcium Gluconate PO 1 g
• C. Calcium Chloride IV 1 g
• D. Calcium Gluconate IV 0.5 g

Answer: (A)

In crush injury management, the immediate danger is hyperkalemia from damaged cells, which can disrupt cardiac conduction. Calcium gluconate given IV stabilizes the heart by raising the threshold for excitability, buying time to lower potassium levels without changing potassium itself. The standard, rapidly effective dose is 1 gram of a 10% solution (10 mL) given IV. This rapidly protects the myocardium, but its effect is temporary, so you continue with measures to reduce potassium afterward. The other options aren’t as appropriate: oral calcium is too slow for acute treatment, calcium chloride is more caustic and carries higher risk if it leaks into tissues, and a smaller dose wouldn’t provide the same protective effect.

In crush injury management, the immediate danger is hyperkalemia from damaged cells, which can disrupt cardiac conduction. Calcium gluconate given IV stabilizes the heart by raising the threshold for excitability, buying time to lower potassium levels without changing potassium itself. The standard, rapidly effective dose is 1 gram of a 10% solution (10 mL) given IV. This rapidly protects the myocardium, but its effect is temporary, so you continue with measures to reduce potassium afterward. The other options aren’t as appropriate: oral calcium is too slow for acute treatment, calcium chloride is more caustic and carries higher risk if it leaks into tissues, and a smaller dose wouldn’t provide the same protective effect.