Hyperparathyroidism

Family & Patient Teaching

• Annual calcium serum testing should be targeted to the at risk population which are patients over age of 40 and post menopausal women.
• Family and patient should be educated on specific cause of condition to understand further teaching of therapy
• Discuss meal plan and/or referral to dietician.
• Patients with medical management
  • Should follow specific regimen
  • Signs and symptoms to monitor complications (sign and symptoms of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia)
  • Encourage adherance to follow up schedule determined by doctor depending on severity of condition
  • Side effects of medications
  • Encouragement by family members for patient to exercise
  • Encourage patient and family to call with any questions or concerns
• Surgical Management
  • Common post operative complications are hemorrhage and electrolyte imbalances
  • Tetany is expected and should disappear over time, calcium can be given if symptoms worsen
• Survey before and after quality of life and make individualize care plan based on patient preference
  • Encourage expression of emotions, pain, and changes in mental and physical health