Your patient is a 45-year-old male who has been suffering from hypocalcemia since surgery to remove his thyroid gland six weeks ago. Of the following, which is most likely the cause of the patient's hypocalcemia?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The parathyroid glands, located near the thyroid gland, play an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. It is possible that during the surgery to remove the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands were damaged or removed, leading to a deficiency in parathyroid hormone (PTH) which can cause hypocalcemia. Increased function of residual thyroid tissue or loss of thyroid gland function would not have a direct impact on the regulation of calcium levels. Increase in parathyroid gland function would lead to hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia.

Your Patient Is a 45-Year-Old Male Who Has Been Suffering