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Multiple Choice

Which symptom is commonly associated with hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia often slows smooth muscle activity and gastric motility, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. The classic “groans” of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and constipation, reflecting this reduced motility and irritation of the GI tract. While fatigue and mood changes like depression can occur, they are less specific, and weight gain is not a typical feature—weight loss can even accompany GI symptoms. Therefore, nausea and vomiting are the symptoms most commonly associated with rising calcium levels and frequently prompt evaluation for hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia often slows smooth muscle activity and gastric motility, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. The classic “groans” of hypercalcemia include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and constipation, reflecting this reduced motility and irritation of the GI tract. While fatigue and mood changes like depression can occur, they are less specific, and weight gain is not a typical feature—weight loss can even accompany GI symptoms. Therefore, nausea and vomiting are the symptoms most commonly associated with rising calcium levels and frequently prompt evaluation for hypercalcemia.