The usual treatment for mild hypercalcemia is which of the following?

• A. Hydration
• B. Sodium phosphate
• C. Hemodialysis
• D. Bisphosphonates

Answer: (A)

Hydration with isotonic saline is the typical first approach because mild hypercalcemia is often linked to volume depletion. Increasing intravascular volume restores renal perfusion, raises the glomerular filtration rate, and promotes calcium excretion in the urine. The salt load also drives natriuresis and calciuresis, helping to lower calcium levels quickly.

Sodium phosphate would raise calcium levels and is not appropriate. Hemodialysis is reserved for severe, life-threatening hypercalcemia or renal failure when rapid correction is needed and other options fail. Bisphosphonates reduce bone resorption and can help with more persistent or malignancy-related hypercalcemia, but they take longer to work and are not used as the initial treatment for mild cases.