The nurse is caring for a client with elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Which safety precaution should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Aspiration: Aspiration is typically a concern in clients with impaired swallowing, reduced consciousness, or neurologic disorders. Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) does not directly affect swallowing function or airway protection. B. Falls: Elevated PTH levels cause hypercalcemia, which can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, and bone demineralization. These effects increase the client’s risk for falls and fractures, making fall prevention a key safety priority. C. Suicide: While chronic illness can impact mood, elevated PTH levels are not directly associated with suicidal ideation. Psychiatric monitoring is important but not the primary safety focus in this case. D. Hypothermia: PTH imbalance does not significantly affect thermoregulation. Hypothermia is not a typical complication of elevated PTH levels and does not require focused preventive measures in this scenario.