Which laboratory data would alert the nurse to the possibility of hypercalcemia in the patient recently diagnosed with osteoporosis?
An increased serum calcitonin level.
An increased number of osteocytes.
Elevated plasma magnesium levels.
An increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level.
The Correct Answer is D
A. An increased serum calcitonin level: Calcitonin is involved in lowering blood calcium levels, so increased levels would not indicate hypercalcemia but rather a compensatory mechanism to lower calcium.
B. An increased number of osteocytes: Osteocytes are bone cells, and their number is not a direct indicator of hypercalcemia. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are more relevant to bone metabolism.
C. Elevated plasma magnesium levels: Elevated magnesium levels are not specifically indicative of hypercalcemia and can be related to other conditions.
D. An increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level: Hypercalcemia can be associated with increased PTH levels, particularly in primary hyperparathyroidism. Elevated PTH can lead to increased calcium release from bones.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Status epilepticus: Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition where seizure activity is continuous or occurs in rapid succession without recovery between seizures.
B. Anticonvulsant syndrome: This term is not a recognized medical condition.
C. Syphilitic posturing: This term is not associated with seizure disorders and is not a recognized condition.
D. Positive Babinski reflex: This indicates an upper motor neuron lesion but is not related to continuous seizure activity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased respirations and CO2 retention: A thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) typically involves increased, not decreased, respiratory rates and CO2 retention due to increased metabolic activity.
B. Seizures and extreme tachycardia: Thyrotoxic crisis is characterized by severe symptoms including extreme tachycardia, fever, and potentially seizures due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.
C. Constipation and a swollen abdomen: Constipation and abdominal swelling are more typical of hypothyroidism rather than a thyrotoxic crisis.
D. Hypotension and bradycardia: Thyrotoxic crisis usually causes tachycardia and hypertension rather than bradycardia and hypotension.
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