Before administering calcitonin (Calcimar) to a patient with hyperparathyroidism, the nurse should assess which parameter?

Before administering calcitonin (Calcimar) to a patient with hyperparathyroidism, the nurse should assess which parameter?

• A. Hydration status
• B. Cardiac dysrhythmia
• C. Sensitivity
• D. Urinary calculi

Answer: (B)

Calcitonin lowers serum calcium, which can lead to hypocalcemia. Calcium is essential for cardiac muscle contraction and electrical conduction, so a decrease in calcium can cause heart rhythm disturbances. Checking the patient’s cardiac rhythm or obtaining a baseline ECG before administering calcitonin helps identify any existing dysrhythmias and establishes a reference to detect shifts after treatment. Hydration, drug sensitivity, or urinary stones are relevant to calcium balance in other ways, but the most immediate safety concern with calcitonin is the potential for hypocalcemia-induced dysrhythmias.

Calcitonin lowers serum calcium, which can lead to hypocalcemia. Calcium is essential for cardiac muscle contraction and electrical conduction, so a decrease in calcium can cause heart rhythm disturbances. Checking the patient’s cardiac rhythm or obtaining a baseline ECG before administering calcitonin helps identify any existing dysrhythmias and establishes a reference to detect shifts after treatment. Hydration, drug sensitivity, or urinary stones are relevant to calcium balance in other ways, but the most immediate safety concern with calcitonin is the potential for hypocalcemia-induced dysrhythmias.