A nurse is assessing a client who has a calcium deficiency. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following conditions?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Tetany: Calcium is essential for proper neuromuscular function. A deficiency can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, resulting in muscle spasms, cramps, and tetany, which are hallmark signs of hypocalcemia. B. Anemia: Anemia is typically related to deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate, not calcium. While calcium plays roles in other body functions, it is not a direct factor in hemoglobin synthesis or red blood cell production. C. Kidney stones: Kidney stones are more commonly associated with hypercalcemia or high calcium excretion rather than calcium deficiency. Low calcium intake may actually increase oxalate absorption, but it is not a direct cause of stones. D. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease influenced by age, joint stress, and cartilage wear. Calcium deficiency affects bone density (leading to osteoporosis) rather than the cartilage degeneration seen in osteoarthritis.