HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
- Hyposecretion of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid gland
CAUSES
- Thyroidectomy (accidental removal of parathyroid tissue)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia
- Numbness, tingling in face, muscle cramps in the abdomen
- Positive trousseau sign or Chvostek sign
- Signs of tetany such as bronchospasm, laryngospasm, carpopedal spasm, cardiac dysrhythmias, seizures
- Hypotension, irritability and depression
DIAGNOSIS
- Serum calcium level(8.6 to 10 mg/dL)
TREATMENT
- Monitor vital signs
- Monitor for signs of hypocalcemia and tetany
- Place a tracheostomy set, oxygen and suction equipment at bedside
- Administer injection calcium gluconate(10 ml over 10 minutes)
- Provide high calcium and low phosphorus diet
- Instruct client in the administration of Vitamin D supplements as prescribed, vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium from gastrointestinal tract
- Instruct client in the administration of phosphate binders as prescribed to promote the excretion of phosphate through the gastrointestinal tract.
