A corrected serum calcium level of ______ mg/dL may cause a cardiac arrhythmia which can lead to sudden death.

A corrected serum calcium level of 12 mg/dL is associated with significant disturbances in cardiac function. Elevated calcium levels can lead to alterations in neuromuscular excitability and, more critically, impact the electrical conduction system of the heart. When serum calcium drops significantly below or rises above normal physiological levels, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which increase the risk of life-threatening events such as sudden cardiac arrest.

Normal serum calcium levels are typically considered to be within a range of approximately 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. Levels approaching or exceeding 12 mg/dL indicate hypercalcemia, raising the likelihood of complications like arrhythmias, which may manifest as prolonged QT intervals or other forms of dysrhythmias. Therefore, a corrected serum calcium level of 12 mg/dL is critically important to monitor in clinical practice for its potential to lead to severe cardiovascular consequences.