A nurse notes that a patient who has hypoparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL. This finding would help substantiate a nursing diagnosis of which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism leads to decreased levels of parathyroid hormone which in turn leads to decreased calcium levels in the blood. A serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL), indicating the presence of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures which can increase the risk for injury. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Injury would be the most appropriate in this case. Chronic Confusion, Risk for Ineffective Renal Perfusion, and Impaired Gas Exchange are not directly related to hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism.

A Nurse Notes That a Patient Who Has Hypoparathyroidism Has