Lab Values For Nurses Practice Test

What is the normal total calcium range?

7.5–9.5 mg/dL 8.5–10.5 mg/dL 9.5–11.5 mg/dL 10.0–12.0 mg/dL

Correct Answer:

8.5–10.5 mg/dL

Explanation:

Normal total calcium in adults is typically about 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. This value reflects all forms of calcium in the blood—calcium bound to proteins (mainly albumin), free ionized calcium, and calcium complexed with anions. The body maintains this range through hormonal regulation (parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, and calcitonin) and is influenced by albumin levels, since low albumin can lower the total calcium reading even if the active ionized calcium is normal. That’s why 8.5–10.5 mg/dL is the standard reference range used to define normal total calcium. Values outside this range point to potential hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia and warrant further evaluation, with attention to albumin status to interpret total calcium correctly.

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