A nurse is collecting data from a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing DKA?

Choice A: Dysphagia. This is not a complication that the nurse should monitor the client for who has hyperparathyroidism. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by disorders of the esophagus, throat, or nervous system. It is not related to hyperparathyroidism or calcium and phosphorus levels.

Choice B: Pathologic fractures. This is a complication that the nurse should monitor the client for who has hyperparathyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and bones. Hyperparathyroidism can cause hypercalcemia, which is a high level of calcium in the blood, and hypophosphatemia, which is a low level of phosphorus in the blood. These imbalances can lead to bone resorption, which is the breakdown of bone tissue and release of calcium into the blood. Bone resorption can weaken the bones and increase the risk of pathologic fractures, which are fractures that occur due to disease or injury to the bone.

Choice C: Fluid retention. This is not a complication that the nurse should monitor the client for who has hyperparathyroidism. Fluid retention is excess fluid accumulation in the body, which can be caused by disorders of the heart, kidney, liver, or lymphatic system. It is not related to hyperparathyroidism or calcium and phosphorus levels.

Choice D: Impaired skin integrity. This is not a complication that the nurse should monitor the client for who has hyperparathyroidism. Impaired skin integrity is damage or loss of skin tissue, which can be caused by trauma, infection, inflammation, or pressure. It is not related to hyperparathyroidism or calcium and phosphorus levels.

Choice A: Determine the client’s calcium level. This is the priority action for the nurse to take because the client might have hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcemia can occur after a thyroidectomy due to accidental removal or damage of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tetany, paresthesia, and seizures.

Choice B: Give the client an oral potassium supplement. This is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because the client might have hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can also occur after a thyroidectomy due to damage to the adrenal glands, which regulate potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.

Choice C: Administer intravenous normal saline solution. This is not a necessary action for the nurse to take because the client does not have signs of dehydration or fluid imbalance. Normal saline solution does not affect calcium or potassium levels.

Choice D: Monitor the client’s peripheral pulses. This is an important action for the nurse to take, but not the priority. The nurse should monitor the client’s peripheral pulses for signs of decreased perfusion or ischemia, which can result from hypocalcemia or hyperkalemia affecting the cardiac function. However, this should be done after determining the client’s calcium level and correcting it if needed.