Ionized calcium

Why do some doctors want to check an ionized calcium before replacing, while others just replace the calcium based on the bmp?

Also on my adult medsurg floor we usually use calcium gluconate. When I was in the peds cardiac icu we used calcium chloride. Why is one used vs the other?


Thanks! I'm not exactly a new rn anymore. Just wondering about this and haven't found a straight answer.
Quote from newrn00Why do some doctors want to check an ionized calcium before replacing, while others just replace the calcium based on the bmp?Also on my adult medsurg floor we usually use calcium gluconate. When I was in the peds cardiac icu we used calcium chloride. Why is one used vs the other?Thanks! I'm not exactly a new rn anymore. Just wondering about this and haven't found a straight answer.

Perfect! Thank you!