The client with hypoparathyroidism has a lack of parathyroid hormone. This client will most likely have a serum calcium level of which of the following? A. \(3.5 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) B. \(10.9 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) C. \(14.7 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) D. \(18.5 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: A. 3.5 mg/dl

Step by step solution

01

Understand the role of parathyroid hormone in calcium regulation

PTH is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It does this by increasing calcium absorption in the gut, promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and stimulating the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream. When there is a lack of PTH (hypoparathyroidism), this results in a decrease in serum calcium levels.
02

Evaluate the given calcium levels

We are given four calcium levels: A. \(3.5\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\) B. \(10.9\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\) C. \(14.7\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\) D. \(18.5\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\) Normal serum calcium levels are typically in the range of \(8.5\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\) to \(10.2\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}.\) Since a person with hypoparathyroidism will likely have a decreased serum calcium level, we can eliminate options B, C, and D as they are all above the normal range.
03

Identify the most likely calcium level

Based on the information provided and the elimination of other options, it is most likely that a person with hypoparathyroidism will have a serum calcium level of: A. \(3.5\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{dl}\)

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