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. Esophageal varices: Coffee-ground emesis suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is often due to ruptured esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.
B. Colorectal cancer: This condition typically presents with lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool, not coffee-ground emesis.
C. Inflammatory bowel disease: This condition can cause gastrointestinal bleeding but is more commonly associated with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain rather than coffee-ground emesis.
D. Appendicitis: This condition typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, not upper GI bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. There is an imbalance between the formation of new bone and the resorption of existing bone: Osteoporosis occurs when bone resorption outpaces bone formation, leading to decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures.
B. An invasion of a pathogen leads to infection, causing destruction and weakening of the bone: This describes osteomyelitis, a bone infection, not osteoporosis.
C. A decrease in blood supply to the bone results in bony necrosis or the death of bone cells: This describes avascular necrosis, not osteoporosis.
D. Increased amounts of estrogen in postmenopausal women contribute to bone loss: In fact, decreased estrogen levels after menopause contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis.
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