A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has hyperthyroidism (Graves disease). Which of the following serum laboratory findings should the nurse expect to be below the expected reference range?

Choice A reason: Phosphate 5.7 mg/dL is an elevated value, as the normal range is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Hypoparathyroidism causes low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. Low PTH leads to low calcium and high phosphorus levels in the blood.

Choice B reason: Vitamin D 25 ng/mL is a normal value, as the normal range is 20 to 50 ng/mL. Hypoparathyroidism does not directly affect vitamin D levels, but vitamin D supplements may be given to help increase calcium absorption and lower phosphorus levels in the blood.

Choice C reason: Calcium 9.8 mg/dL is a normal value, as the normal range is 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL. Hypoparathyroidism causes low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. Low PTH leads to low calcium and high phosphorus levels in the blood. However, calcium levels may be normal or near- normal in some cases of hypoparathyroidism, especially if the condition is mild or well-controlled with treatment.

Choice D reason: Magnesium 1.8 mEq/L is a normal value, as the normal range is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. Hypoparathyroidism does not directly affect magnesium levels, but magnesium deficiency can cause or worsen hypoparathyroidism, as magnesium is needed for PTH secretion and action. Magnesium supplements may be given to correct magnesium deficiency and improve PTH function.

Choice A reason: Wearing closed-toed shoes daily is a good practice for people with diabetes, as it can protect the feet from injuries and infections. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. These complications are mainly caused by high blood glucose levels that damage the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes and feet.

Choice B reason: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. High blood glucose levels can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the eyes and feet. This can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and vision loss (retinopathy) over time. Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range can reduce the risk of these complications and slow down their progression if they already exist.

Choice C reason: Planning to have an eye examination once per year is a recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help detect and treat retinopathy before it causes irreversible damage to the retina. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Eye examinations cannot prevent retinopathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: Examining your feet carefully every day is another recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help identify and treat any signs of neuropathy, such as numbness, tingling, pain, or ulcers. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Foot examinations cannot prevent neuropathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate care.