The nurse notes that a patient who has hypoparathyroidism has a ...

[leilurhhh]

The nurse notes that a patient who has hypoparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL. What would be a priority problem when planning care for this patient?
 
  1. potential for injury
  2. safety concerns because of confusion
  3. changes in renal function
  4. problems with oxygenation

Question 2

A patient with hyperparathyroidism secondary to renal failure is prescribed calcimimetic. What should the nurse instruct the patient about this medication?
 
  1. It increases the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors of the parathyroid gland to serum calcium.
  2. It blocks calcium receptors in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
  3. It decreases resorption of calcium in the distal renal tubule.
  4. It binds calcium to bile salts that are then excreted through the GI tract.

[jgranad15]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The patient with hypocalcemia has a potential for injury because of the effects of the low calcium level on bone structure. Calcium is also needed for muscle and nerve function. Confusion, renal function changes, and problems with oxygenation are not manifestations of hypoparathyroidism and a low calcium level.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Calcimimetic increases the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors of the parathyroid gland to serum calcium. The effect is decreased secretion of PTH and reduced serum calcium and phosphorus. Calcimimetic does not block calcium receptors in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, decrease the resorption of calcium in the distal renal tubule, or bind calcium to bile salts to excrete through the GI tract.