A 42-year-old woman with Graves disease is admitted to the hospital for an elective total thyroidectomy. Methimazole and propranolol have helped her hyperthyroid symptoms, but she still has a goiter. There are no other medical issues with the patient. She has a total thyroidectomy with no immediate complications and feels fine the next day. Laboratory results are as follows: Preoperative electrolyte values were within normal limits. Which of the following medications should be started in this patient?

Question

A 42-year-old woman with Graves disease is admitted to the hospital for an elective total thyroidectomy. Methimazole and propranolol have helped her hyperthyroid symptoms, but she still has a goiter. There are no other medical issues with the patient. She has a total thyroidectomy with no immediate complications and feels fine the next day. Laboratory results are as follows:  Preoperative electrolyte values were within normal limits.  Which of the following medications should be started in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroidectomy caused by accidental injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be used to treat and prevent postoperative hypocalcemia.

A 42-Year-Old Woman with Graves Disease Is Admitted to the Hospital