The Ultimate Quiz On Hypoparathyroidism And Hyperparathyroidism

1. A patient is recovering from a thyroidectomy. The patient starts to complain of tingling and numbness in the face, toes, and fingers. Which of the following findings below warrants attention?

Ca+ level: 6 mg/dL

Na+ level: 145 mg/dL

K+ level: 3.5 mg/dL

Phosphate level: 4.3 mg/dL

The patient's complaint of tingling and numbness in the face, toes, and fingers suggests the possibility of hypocalcemia, which is supported by the low calcium level of 6 mg/dL. Hypocalcemia is a potential complication following a thyroidectomy due to damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. It is important to address this finding promptly as severe hypocalcemia can lead to muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Explanation

The patient's complaint of tingling and numbness in the face, toes, and fingers suggests the possibility of hypocalcemia, which is supported by the low calcium level of 6 mg/dL. Hypocalcemia is a potential complication following a thyroidectomy due to damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. It is important to address this finding promptly as severe hypocalcemia can lead to muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

2. Which gland produces high amounts of parathyroid hormone?

Thyroid glands

Parathyroid glands

Both

None

The parathyroid glands produce high amounts of parathyroid hormone. These glands are located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone helps regulate the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. It stimulates the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines, and reduces the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.

Explanation

The parathyroid glands produce high amounts of parathyroid hormone. These glands are located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone helps regulate the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. It stimulates the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines, and reduces the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.

3. A patient hospitalized with hypoparathyroidism is about to order lunch. Which food selection is best for this patient based on their dietary needs at this time?

Baked chicken, green beans, and boiled potatoes

Broccoli salad, cottage cheese, and peaches

Roast beef, carrots, and pinto beans

Hamburger, fries, and sorbet

The patient with hypoparathyroidism requires a diet that is low in phosphorus and high in calcium. Broccoli salad, cottage cheese, and peaches would be the best food selection for this patient because broccoli and peaches are low in phosphorus and cottage cheese is a good source of calcium.

Explanation

The patient with hypoparathyroidism requires a diet that is low in phosphorus and high in calcium. Broccoli salad, cottage cheese, and peaches would be the best food selection for this patient because broccoli and peaches are low in phosphorus and cottage cheese is a good source of calcium.

4. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include Hypercalcemia and Compensatory ____________

Hypophosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemea

Both

None

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormones. One of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is hypercalcemia, which refers to high levels of calcium in the blood. In response to hypercalcemia, the body tries to balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus by decreasing the levels of phosphorus in the blood. This condition is known as hypophosphatemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hypophosphatemia.

Explanation

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormones. One of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is hypercalcemia, which refers to high levels of calcium in the blood. In response to hypercalcemia, the body tries to balance the levels of calcium and phosphorus by decreasing the levels of phosphorus in the blood. This condition is known as hypophosphatemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hypophosphatemia.

5. Which of the following patients is MOST at risk for hypoparathyroidism?

A 75 year-old female who is diabetic and takes Os-Cal daily.

A 59 year-old male with a Mg+ level of 0.9 mg/dL

A 85 year-old female complaining of flank pain and constipation.

A 19 year-old male with a Ca+ level of 8.9 mg/dL.

A low magnesium level (0.9 mg/dL) in a 59 year-old male puts him at the highest risk for hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating calcium and magnesium levels in the body. A low magnesium level can disrupt the production and release of PTH, leading to hypoparathyroidism. The other patients' conditions or lab values do not indicate a higher risk for hypoparathyroidism.

Explanation

A low magnesium level (0.9 mg/dL) in a 59 year-old male puts him at the highest risk for hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating calcium and magnesium levels in the body. A low magnesium level can disrupt the production and release of PTH, leading to hypoparathyroidism. The other patients' conditions or lab values do not indicate a higher risk for hypoparathyroidism.

6. A physician orders Calcium Gluconate IV as a treatment for a patient with hypoparathyroidism. The patient's calcium level is 5 mg/dL. Which of the following finding causes you to question this order?

The patient is taking Digoxin.

The patient complains of muscle cramping and numbness in the face.

The patient is taking Aluminum Carbonate.

The patient’s phosphate level is 7 mg/dL.

The correct answer is the patient is taking Digoxin. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, but it can also cause an increase in calcium levels in the blood. Since the patient already has a low calcium level, administering Calcium Gluconate IV could potentially cause an unsafe increase in calcium levels, leading to adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to question this order and consider alternative treatments for the patient's hypoparathyroidism.

Explanation

The correct answer is the patient is taking Digoxin. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, but it can also cause an increase in calcium levels in the blood. Since the patient already has a low calcium level, administering Calcium Gluconate IV could potentially cause an unsafe increase in calcium levels, leading to adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to question this order and consider alternative treatments for the patient's hypoparathyroidism.

7. Hypoparathyroidism is more common than Hyperparathyroidism.

True

False

false: it is rare

Explanation

false: it is rare

8. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs due to:

Severe calcium deficiency

Severe vitamin D deficiency

Chronic kidney failure

All of the above

Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs due to all of the above factors, which include severe calcium deficiency, severe vitamin D deficiency, and chronic kidney failure. Severe calcium deficiency can lead to an imbalance in the body's calcium levels, causing the parathyroid glands to overproduce parathyroid hormone. Severe vitamin D deficiency can also disrupt calcium absorption and regulation, leading to hyperparathyroidism. Chronic kidney failure can result in the inability of the kidneys to properly regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Explanation

Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs due to all of the above factors, which include severe calcium deficiency, severe vitamin D deficiency, and chronic kidney failure. Severe calcium deficiency can lead to an imbalance in the body's calcium levels, causing the parathyroid glands to overproduce parathyroid hormone. Severe vitamin D deficiency can also disrupt calcium absorption and regulation, leading to hyperparathyroidism. Chronic kidney failure can result in the inability of the kidneys to properly regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

9. Primary hyperthyroidism is due to:

Neoplasms

Hyperplasia

Chronic renal failure

Both A and C

None of the above

Primary hyperthyroidism can be caused by neoplasms and chronic renal failure. Neoplasms refer to abnormal growths or tumors in the thyroid gland that can lead to excessive production of thyroid hormones. Chronic renal failure, on the other hand, can disrupt the normal regulation of thyroid hormones by the kidneys, leading to an increase in thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, both neoplasms and chronic renal failure can contribute to primary hyperthyroidism.

Explanation

Primary hyperthyroidism can be caused by neoplasms and chronic renal failure. Neoplasms refer to abnormal growths or tumors in the thyroid gland that can lead to excessive production of thyroid hormones. Chronic renal failure, on the other hand, can disrupt the normal regulation of thyroid hormones by the kidneys, leading to an increase in thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, both neoplasms and chronic renal failure can contribute to primary hyperthyroidism.

10. A patient is 6 hours post-opt from thyroid surgery. The patient's calcium level is 5 and the phosphate level is 4.2. What physical signs and symptoms would NOT present with these findings?

Bronchospasm

Constipation

Numbness and tingling in the face

Positive Chvostek's Sign

Absent Trousseau's Sign

Hypertension

The correct answer is Constipation. Low calcium levels, known as hypocalcemia, can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the face, positive Chvostek's sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped), and absent Trousseau's sign (carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated). Hypocalcemia can also cause bronchospasm and hypertension. However, it does not typically cause constipation.

Explanation

The correct answer is Constipation. Low calcium levels, known as hypocalcemia, can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the face, positive Chvostek's sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped), and absent Trousseau's sign (carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated). Hypocalcemia can also cause bronchospasm and hypertension. However, it does not typically cause constipation.