Question

The nurse is caring for a client who had a parathyroidectomy. Upon evaluation of the client's laboratory studies, the nurse would expect to see imbalances in which electrolytes related to the removal of the parathyroid gland?

Answer 1

Imbalances in calcium, phosphate, and phosphatase activity may be seen after the removal of the parathyroid gland.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypocalcemia, or abnormally low calcium blood levels, is seen in hypoparathyroidism, which may follow the removal of the thyroid gland, because the four nodules of the parathyroid gland are embedded in it. Hypercalcemia, or abnormally high calcium blood levels, is seen in primary hyperparathyroidism. Some malignancies may also result in hypercalcemia.

Increased serum phosphate and decreased urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus and normal or occasionally raised serum phosphatase activity are also imbalances that may be seen after removal of the parathyroid gland. Additionally, maintaining normal acid-base equilibrium is important.

Therefore, the nurse would expect to see imbalances in calcium, phosphate, and possibly phosphatase activity as a result of removing the parathyroid gland.