What should be monitored in patients with suspected hypercalcemia related to malignancy?

In patients with suspected hypercalcemia related to malignancy, monitoring for heart conduction abnormalities is essential due to the effects of elevated calcium levels on cardiac function. Hypercalcemia can lead to changes in the electrical activity of the heart, manifesting as conduction abnormalities such as prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex, or depressed ST segment on an electrocardiogram (ECG). These alterations can increase the risk of arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications, making it crucial to assess heart function in patients experiencing elevated calcium levels.

While other factors like blood pressure, weight, and temperature can provide useful clinical information in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate and potentially dangerous implications that hypercalcemia poses on heart health. Monitoring heart conduction abnormalities specifically targets the cardiovascular risks associated with hypercalcemia, enabling timely intervention to prevent serious outcomes.