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NCLEX 26 Review on Parathyroid Gland Disorders

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

  • There is an excessive secretion of PTH, that can result in hypercalcemia.
  • Excessive amount of PTH can lead to hypercalcemia and bone damage.
ASSESSMENT:
Symptoms is associated with the effects of an increased level of calcium.
  • weakness and fatigue
  • depression, bone pain
  • muscle soreness (myalgias)
  • decreased appetite
  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation, polyuria
DIAGNOSIS:
  • Best Diagnostic Test: Parathyroid Immunoassay

TREATMENT:

– Increase amount of fluid intake in order to decrease level of serum calcium.

– If caused by a tumor: SURGERY may be necessary.

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM

A decrease in the PTH level in the body, resulting in an elevation in phosphate levels and Hypocalcemia.

ASSESSMENT

  • Muscle Weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Cardiac Dysrhytmias
  • Positive Chvostek’s Sign
  • Positive Trouseau’s Sign
    • Dry, coarse skin
    • Brittle nails
    • Anxiety or nervousness
    • Headaches
    • Depression, mood swing
DIAGNOSIS:

Blood tests (will show)

  • A low blood-calcium level
  • A low parathyroid hormone level
  • A high blood-phosphorus level
  • A low blood-magnesium level

OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Urine test
  • X-rays and bone density tests
TREATMENTS:
  • Oral calcium carbonate tablets.
  • Vitamin D, which can help your body absorb calcium and eliminate phosphorus.
BE CAREFUL:

At high doses, calcium supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, in some people

Diet should be:

  • Rich in CALCIUM.
  • Low in phosphorus-rich items. This means avoiding carbonated soft drinks, which contain phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. Eggs and meats also tend to be high in phosphorus.
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