Question

A Clinical Instructor is questioning a student nurse about disorders of the parathyroid glands. Which statement by the nursing student, would indicate the need for further teaching?

a) "Hyperparathyroidism results in an increased release of calcium and phosphorus by bones, with resultant bone decalcification."

b) "Hyperparathyroidism results in deposits in soft tissues and the formation of renal calculi."

c) "Hypoparathyroidism results in impaired renal tubular regulation of calcium and phosphate."

d) "Hypoparathyroidism results in decreased activation of vitamin D which then results in decreased absorption of calcium by the pancreas."

Answer 1

Hyperparathyroidism results in excessive calcium release from bones, leading to bone weakness and fractures. Hypoparathyroidism causes low blood calcium which affects muscle function. Option d) indicates the need for further teaching as it incorrectly states the effect of hypoparathyroidism on vitamin D and calcium absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperparathyroidism results from an overproduction of parathyroid hormone which causes excessive calcium to be removed from bones and introduced into blood circulation, resulting in structural weakness of the bones, deformation, and fractures. Hypoparathyroidism, on the other hand, is the underproduction of parathyroid hormone which leads to extremely low levels of blood calcium, causing impaired muscle function and potential tetany. Based on this information, the statement that indicates the need for further teaching is option d) 'Hypoparathyroidism results in decreased activation of vitamin D which then results in decreased absorption of calcium by the pancreas.' In fact, vitamin D activation and calcium absorption occur primarily in the intestines, not the pancreas.