During data collection for primary hyperparathyroidism, which complaint would be characteristic?

During data collection for primary hyperparathyroidism, which complaint would be characteristic?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Polyuria
• C. Polyphagia
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (B)

In primary hyperparathyroidism, excess parathyroid hormone raises calcium in the blood. The resulting hypercalcemia makes the kidneys less able to concentrate urine and blunts the response to ADH, producing a nephrogenic diabetes insipidus–like effect. This leads to increased urine output, or polyuria, which is a characteristic complaint you would expect to find when collecting data. Diarrhea isn’t typical of PHPT and is more common with other GI or endocrine issues; polyphagia and weight gain aren’t defining features of this condition either.

In primary hyperparathyroidism, excess parathyroid hormone raises calcium in the blood. The resulting hypercalcemia makes the kidneys less able to concentrate urine and blunts the response to ADH, producing a nephrogenic diabetes insipidus–like effect. This leads to increased urine output, or polyuria, which is a characteristic complaint you would expect to find when collecting data. Diarrhea isn’t typical of PHPT and is more common with other GI or endocrine issues; polyphagia and weight gain aren’t defining features of this condition either.