Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Full-length
A hospice nurse is caring for a client with breast cancer and brain metastasis. The nurse is reviewing the lab report below. According to the information in the chart, what should the nurse do next?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The normal calcium level is 9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL. Hypercalcemia is commonly seen with malignant disease and metastases. The other laboratory values are normal. Hypercalcemia can be treated with fluids, furosemide (Lasix), or administration of calcitonin. Failure to treat hypercalcemia can cause muscle weakness, changes in level of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Although the client is on hospice care, she will still need palliative treatment. Comfort and risk reduction are components of hospice care.