Charlie is a 2 ½-year-old boy with a history of asthma and allergies. He is on several maintenance medications. His parents rush him to the emergency room due to increased lethargy, high fever, and fluid retention in his hands and feet. His laboratory results find a low albumin and high lipid levels. Charlie is prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent ____.

Question

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Rickets is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin D or calcium. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food. Calcium is essential for the development of strong bones. Rickets can cause soft and weak bones, which can lead to bone deformities. Charlie is at risk for rickets because he has a low albumin and high lipid levels. Albumin is a protein that helps the body absorb calcium. High lipid levels can interfere with the absorption of calcium.

Charlie Is a 2 ½-Year-Old Boy with a History of Asthma