Hypocalcemia may be associated with which electrolyte abnormality?

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Low magnesium is most closely linked to hypocalcemia because magnesium is essential for both the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the body’s response to it. When magnesium is deficient, the parathyroid gland doesn’t release enough PTH and tissues don’t respond well to the PTH that is produced. This impairs calcium mobilization from bone, calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and activation of vitamin D, all of which keep serum calcium low. That’s why hypomagnesemia commonly presents with hypocalcemia and why correcting magnesium often helps restore calcium levels.

The other options don’t have as direct a role in calcium regulation. Potassium levels aren’t a primary driver of calcium balance, and hypernatremia isn’t a main cause of low calcium. Very high magnesium can also depress PTH and calcium, but the classic and most tested association with hypocalcemia is low magnesium.