The nurse is monitoring a client receiving bisphosphonate therapy for Paget's disease. Which laboratory parameter should the nurse prioritize monitoring during treatment?

A potential complication of Paget's disease is an increased risk of bone fractures. The abnormal bone remodeling in Paget's disease weakens the bones, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures.

a. Hypertension: Hypertension is not a direct complication of Paget's disease. The condition primarily affects bone structures.

c. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is not associated with Paget's disease. It is a separate condition related to thyroid gland dysfunction.

d. Kidney stones: While kidney stones may be unrelated to Paget's disease, they can be a complication of other conditions or metabolic disorders.

The characteristic X-ray finding in Paget's disease is bony overgrowth and thickening of the affected bones. This is due to the increased bone turnover and abnormal remodeling associated with the condition.

a. Decreased bone density: Decreased bone density is associated with osteoporosis, not Paget's disease. In Paget's disease, bone density is often normal or increased due to the disorganized bone remodeling.
b. Erosions and bone cysts: Erosions and bone cysts are not specific to Paget's disease and may be seen in other bone conditions. Bony overgrowth is more characteristic of Paget's disease.
d. Presence of osteoporotic fractures: Osteoporotic fractures are not typically associated with Paget's disease. The increased bone density and thickening in Paget's disease can actually make bones more resistant to fractures.