Collin College Cardiac Drugs Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Calcium Gluconate is primarily used to treat hyperkalemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. In hyperkalemia, high potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac complications, including arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Calcium Gluconate works by stabilizing the myocardium, or the heart muscle, against the effects of increased potassium. It helps to protect the heart temporarily while other interventions to lower potassium levels, such as diuretics or insulin, are implemented.

The other conditions listed, such as hypoglycemia, hypertension, and hypernatremia, are not effectively addressed with Calcium Gluconate. Hypoglycemia, which refers to low blood sugar, requires management with glucose or carbohydrate intake. Hypertension involves high blood pressure and typically necessitates antihypertensive medications. Hypernatremia, characterized by high sodium levels in the blood, may be treated with fluid replacement and sodium restrictions, not with Calcium Gluconate. Thus, the primary use of Calcium Gluconate for hyperkalemia stands out clearly based on its mechanism of action and benefits in clinical practice.