Hypoparathyroidism commonly causes which electrolyte disturbance?

The Nightingale Pathophysiology Test is your destination for mastering complex medical concepts. Utilize multiple choice questions and flashcards, all with detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Hypoparathyroidism commonly causes which electrolyte disturbance?

Explanation:
PTH keeps calcium high in the blood by helping bone release calcium, increasing kidney reabsorption of calcium, and activating vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption. When PTH is low, these pathways slow down, so calcium levels fall. That drop in calcium is the hallmark finding, making hypocalcemia the common electrolyte disturbance in hypoparathyroidism. (Phosphate tends to rise because the phosphaturic effect of PTH is lost, but the key imbalance most characteristic here is low calcium.)

PTH keeps calcium high in the blood by helping bone release calcium, increasing kidney reabsorption of calcium, and activating vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption. When PTH is low, these pathways slow down, so calcium levels fall. That drop in calcium is the hallmark finding, making hypocalcemia the common electrolyte disturbance in hypoparathyroidism. (Phosphate tends to rise because the phosphaturic effect of PTH is lost, but the key imbalance most characteristic here is low calcium.)

More practice questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy