The health care provider (HCP) has told a client to take over-the-counter (OTC) supplemental calcium carbonate 1000 mg/day for treatment of osteoporosis. Which instruction should the clinic nurse give the client?

Question

The health care provider (HCP) has told a client to take over-the-counter (OTC) supplemental calcium carbonate 1000 mg/day for treatment of osteoporosis.  Which instruction should the clinic nurse give the client?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone strength. Calcium carbonate (Caltrate) has the most available elemental calcium of OTC products and is inexpensive; it is therefore the preferred calcium supplement for most clients with osteoporosis. Calcium absorption is impaired when taken in excess of 500 mg per dose. Therefore, most clients should take supplements in divided doses (<500 mg per dose). These should be taken within an hour of meals as food increases calcium absorption. Constipation is a frequent side effect of calcium supplements, so clients should be advised to take appropriate precautions. Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate (PhosLo) are used to reduce serum phosphorous levels in clients with chronic kidney disease. In such cases, calcium should remain in the intestine and bind the phosphorous present in food; the calcium phosphorus product would then be excreted in stool. Therefore, these clients should take calcium supplements before meals. (Option A) Calcium levels may need to be checked periodically, but it is not necessary to do so monthly. (Option B) Vitamin D also increases calcium absorption and is important for treatment of osteoporosis. There is no need to stop it. (Option C) Calcium does not need to be taken at any particular time of day. Educational objective: The nurse should encourage the client with osteoporosis to take supplemental calcium with food to increase its absorption. Vitamin D will also enhance absorption. Multiple daily doses are recommended as calcium absorption is impaired when taken in excess of 500 mg per dose. Constipation is a frequent side effect of calcium supplementation.

The Health Care Provider (HCP) Has Told a Client to Take