Hesi Pharmacology exam 2
Hesi Pharmacology exam 2 ( 36 Questions)
Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Reference Range:
Total Calcium [Reference Range: Adult 9 to 10.5 mg\/dL or 2.25 to 2.62 mmol\/L]
This is not appropriate because the client's elevated calcium level requires immediate attention and further assessment by the healthcare provider before administering any medications that may further raise calcium levels.
The client's total calcium level is significantly elevated, which may indicate hypercalcemia. Given the reference range for total calcium in adults is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to
2.62 mmol/L), a calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is abnormally high. Both calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) and calcium carbonate (calcium supplement) can increase calcium levels in the body. Before administering any medication, the nurse should hold both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and notify the healthcare provider of the elevated calcium level. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medications to prevent further complications related to hypercalcemia.
Holding calcium carbonate is a step in the right direction, but given the significant elevation of total calcium, it is best to hold both medications and consult the healthcare provider.
Holding calcitriol is a step in the right direction, but both medications should be held to prevent exacerbation of hypercalcemia until further instructions are received from the healthcare provider.
Choice A rationale: This is not appropriate because the client's elevated calcium level requires immediate attention and further assessment by the healthcare provider before administering any medications that may further raise calcium levels.
Choice B rationale: The client's total calcium level is significantly elevated, which may indicate hypercalcemia. Given the reference range for total calcium in adults is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), a calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is abnormally high. Both calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) and calcium carbonate (calcium supplement) can increase calcium levels in the body. Before administering any medication, the nurse should hold both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and notify the healthcare provider of the elevated calcium level. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medications to prevent further complications related to hypercalcemia.
Choice C rationale: Holding calcium carbonate is a step in the right direction, but given the significant elevation of total calcium, it is best to hold both medications and consult the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Holding calcitriol is a step in the right direction, but both medications should be held to prevent exacerbation of hypercalcemia until further instructions are received from the healthcare provider.