A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has hypoparathyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following values?
A.
Phosphate 5.7 mg/dL
B.
Vitamin D 25 ng/mL
C.
Calcium 9.8 mg/dL
D.
Magnesium 1.8 mEq/L
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. Phosphate 5.7 mg/dL
Explanation:
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a critical role in regulating calcium, phosphate, and magnesium levels in the blood and bones. When PTH is deficient, it results in specific imbalances in these electrolytes.
- Phosphate Level (A):
- Increased Phosphate: One of the hallmark signs of hypoparathyroidism is hyperphosphatemia, or high levels of phosphate in the blood. Without enough PTH, the kidneys are less effective at excreting phosphate, leading to its accumulation in the blood. The normal range of phosphate is approximately 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. A level of 5.7 mg/dL indicates elevated phosphate, which is expected in hypoparathyroidism.
- Vitamin D Level (B):
- Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the gut. In hypoparathyroidism, PTH is low, which can impair the conversion of vitamin D to its active form (calcitriol). However, a vitamin D level of 25 ng/mL is within the normal range (20-50 ng/mL), so this is not a distinct finding related to hypoparathyroidism.
- Calcium Level (C):
- Hypocalcemia, or low calcium, is a key feature of hypoparathyroidism. PTH is necessary to maintain normal blood calcium levels. A calcium level of 9.8 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL), so this is not consistent with hypoparathyroidism. Typically, calcium levels would be low, not normal or high.
- Magnesium Level (D):
- Magnesium levels may vary, but a level of 1.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.7 to 2.2 mEq/L). While magnesium is important for PTH secretion, a normal magnesium level does not point to hypoparathyroidism.
Summary:
In hypoparathyroidism, you would expect elevated phosphate and low calcium. Thus, the most appropriate laboratory finding here is Phosphate 5.7 mg/dL.