The nurse is caring for a pediatric client with a new onset of hypercalcemia.
What condition would be most likely to cause this altered serum calcium level?
Liver failure.
Radiation injury.
Malignancy.
Hypothyroidism.
The Correct Answer is C
Hypercalcemia is a condition caused by having too much calcium in the blood, which can affect the function of nerves, muscles, kidneys and heart. Hypercalcemia can occur in children due to various causes, both acquired and genetic. One of the most common causes of hypercalcemia in children is cancer, especially cancers that affect the bones or produce substances that mimic parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels.
Choice A is wrong because liver failure does not directly cause hypercalcemia, although it can affect vitamin D metabolism and calcium absorption.
Choice B is wrong because radiation injury does not cause hypercalcemia, unless it damages the parathyroid glands or causes bone destruction.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause hypercalcemia, although it can affect bone turnover and calcium excretion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Theophylline is a bronchodilator that is used to treat asthma and COPD.
It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias if the blood level is too high.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the effects of theophylline and raise the risk of toxicity.
Therefore, patients taking theophylline should avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
Choice A is wrong because eating foods high in potassium has no effect on theophylline metabolism or action.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, but it does not interact with theophylline.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of theophylline and cause gastric irritation.
Theophylline should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and prevent fluctuations in blood levels.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL a day can cause dehydration and increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood.
Theophylline
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine, the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces.It is used to treat hypothyroidism by replacing the missing hormone and restoring the normal metabolism.
Some explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice B. Thyroid desiccated is a natural thyroid hormone derived from animal thyroid glands.
It contains both T4 and T3 hormones, which may cause side effects or complications in some people with hypothyroidism.It is not recommended as a first-line treatment for hypothyroidism.
• Choice C. Methimazole is an antithyroid drug that blocks the production of thyroid hormones.
It is used to treat hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.Giving methimazole to someone with hypothyroidism would worsen their condition.
• Choice D. Liothyronine is a synthetic form of T3, the active thyroid hormone.
It is sometimes used in combination with levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism, but it is not a standard treatment.It has a shorter half-life and more variable effects than levothyroxine, and it may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias or osteoporosis.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but generally they are:
• TSH: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
• Free T4: 0.8 to 2.0 ng/dL
• Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL
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