Page 250 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

parathyroid glands

C. Assessment (Table 8-5 and Fig. 8-3; also see Table 8-3)

D. Interventions
1. Administer calcium supplements orally or calcium
intravenously.

2. When administering calcium intravenously,

warm the injection solution to body temperature
before administration and administer slowly; monitor
for electrocardiographic changes, observe for
infiltration, and monitor for hypercalcemia.
3. Administer medications that increase calcium
absorption.
a. Aluminum hydroxide reduces
phosphorus levels, causing the
countereffect of increasing calcium
levels.
b. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of
calcium from the intestinal tract.
4. Provide a quiet environment to reduce environmental
stimuli.

5. Initiate seizure precautions.

6. Move the client carefully, and monitor for

signs of a pathological fracture.

7. Keep 10% calcium gluconate available for

treatment of acute calcium deficit.
8. Instruct the client to consume foods high in calcium
(see Box 11-2).
X. Hypercalcemia
A. Description: Hypercalcemia is a serum calcium level that exceeds
10.5 mg/dL (2.75 mmol/L).
B. Causes

1. Increased calcium absorption
a. Excessive oral intake of calcium
b. Excessive oral intake of vitamin D
2. Decreased calcium excretion
a. Kidney disease
b. Use of thiazide diuretics
3. Increased bone resorption of calcium
a. Hyperparathyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism

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