Author Question: A patient is taking calcium for the treatment of hypocalcemia. The nurse is reviewing the medication ... (Read 58 times)

Tazate · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is taking calcium for the treatment of hypocalcemia. The nurse is reviewing the medication administration record. Which medication, when administered concurrently, would reduce the absorption of oral calcium?

a. Tetracycline
b. Prednisone
c. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
d. Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Question 2

A patient is being treated for osteomalacia with vitamin D. The patient complains of fatigue, weakness, constipation, and increased voiding of pale, dilute urine.

The nurse reviews the patient's laboratory findings and notes that the serum calcium is 13 mg/dL. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
a. Increasing the vitamin D supplements
b. Providing large amounts of oral fluids
c. Increasing the patient's dietary intake of milk, cheese, and yogurt
d. Providing calcium supplements

Bsand8 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, reduce the absorption of oral calcium.
Calcium reduces absorption of tetracycline, not the reverse. These drugs should be administered at least 1 hour apart.
Thiazide diuretics reduce renal calcium excretion and may cause hypercalcemia. The drugs can be administered concurrently.
Calcium reduces absorption of thyroid hormone, not the reverse, therefore they should be taken several hours apart.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Most signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity occur secondary to hypercalcemia, which is demonstrated by the patient's serum calcium level. Clinical manifestations include nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, fatigue, polyuria, and nocturia. A high fluid intake is recommended as part of the treatment.
Vitamin D supplements would be discontinued immediately, because the patient is showing signs of toxicity.
Foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium and should be eliminated. In addition, milk typically is fortified with vitamin D.
Calcium supplements would further increase calcium levels and vitamin D toxicity.