Parathyroidism Flashcards
1
Q
Parathyroid Function
A
- Secretes PTH (parathyroid hormone)
- Stimulates osteoclasts to break down bone and release calcium into blood
- Helps regulate blood calcium and phosphate (brings calcium from bone into blood, allows body to absorb more calcium from food, and helps body get rid of phosphate to hold onto calcium)
2
Q
Hyperparathyroidism Definition
A
- Too much PTH released so too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Creates bone problems, kidney problems (kidney stones which are calcium deposits), and hypercalcemia
- Prognosis good if caught early
3
Q
Hyperparathyroidism Patient Profile
A
- Primarily women
- Aged 60+
- Often initially asymptomatic
4
Q
Hyperparathyroidism Signs & Symptoms
A
- “CAR GOS”
- Constipation — lots of calcium in blood causes sodium to be blocked so nerve conduction is decreased which decreases muscle function
- Absent DTRs (due to decreased nerve conduction)
- Renal stones and damage
- Gout
- Osteoporosis (osteoclasts break down bone)
- Slow mentation
5
Q
Hyperparathyroidism Treatment
A
- Parathyroidectomy is common
- Be aware of medication effects and the effects of hypercalcemia
- Avoid fall risks
- Avoid high impact or forceful manual techniques (pt is at risk for fractures)
- Gradual loading of bones
6
Q
Hypoparathyroidism Definition
A
- Decreased PTH activity — so osteoclasts aren’t breaking down bone so calcium isn’t getting into blood stream
- Often caused by surgical removal of glands
- Prognosis — full recovery from effects is possible when condition is caught early
7
Q
Hypoparathyroidism Signs & Symptoms
A
- Neuromuscular irritability — nerves are too excited and low amount of calcium meaning there is a lot of sodium and phosphate
- Seizures and convulsions
- Cardiac arrythmias — AV nerve block
- Diarrhea
- Dry, scaly, coarse skin
- Positive Trousseau’s Sign (BP cuff around arm, cuts off blood flow to lower arm, carpal flexion spasm happens within 3 minutes, this indicates hypocalcemia)
