A client has a serum calcium level of 12.0 mg/dL. The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing a pathophysiological process such as:
1. osteomalacia.
2. metastatic bone tumor.
3. hypoparathyroidism.
4. chronic renal disease.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Osteomalacia is a deficiency of vitamin D, and it would contribute to lower-than-normal serum calcium levels.
Rationale 2: The bone destruction that occurs with metastatic bone tumors releases calcium into the bloodstream and elevates the serum calcium level.
Rationale 3: Hypoparathyroidism would result in lower-than-normal serum calcium levels.
Rationale 4: Chronic renal disease is associated with lower-than-normal levels of calcium.
Global Rationale: The bone destruction that occurs with metastatic bone tumors releases calcium into the bloodstream and elevates the serum calcium level. Osteomalacia is a deficiency of vitamin D, and it would contribute to lower-than-normal serum calcium levels. Hypoparathyroidism would result in lower-than-normal serum calcium levels. Chronic renal disease is associated with lower-than-normal levels of calcium.
You might also like to view...
A patient with moderate lower back pain tells the nurse, "My urine smells awful and is as dark as my glass of tea." Which action will assist in validating the patient's concern?
a. Ask the patient to describe the back pain. b. Review the lab results of the most recent urinalysis. c. Request the nursing assistant to obtain a set of vital signs. d. Check the patient's history for urinary tract infections.
The primary purpose of adult protective service programs is
A) to prevent substandard care and mistreatment of the elder population. B) to punish persons who abuse the elderly. C) to place elders who cannot adequately care for themselves in nursing homes. D) to permanently keep the elderly client separated from the abuser.
The nurse shows an understanding of the error group of aging theories when stating: (Select all that apply.)
a. "Aging occurs differently for the various ethnic groups." b. "Our genetic makeup is responsible for how we are affected by age." c. "Aging is a result of mistakes in our RNA and DNA metabolism." d. "The free radical theory is an example of an error theory." e. "Aging effects are really random and un-predictable."
The decision has been made to discharge your ventilator-dependent patient home. You are developing a teaching plan for this patient and his family. What would be important for you to include in this teaching plan? (Mark all that apply.)
A) Running a backup generator B) Assessment of vital signs C) Turning and coughing D) Signs of pulmonary infection