What supplement should a nurse recommend daily for a client with hypoparathyroidism?

For a client with hypoparathyroidism, the daily recommendation of calcium carbonate with vitamin D is appropriate because this condition commonly leads to low levels of calcium in the blood due to insufficient parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is essential for regulating calcium levels, and its deficiency causes decreased absorption of calcium from the diet and increased excretion of calcium by the kidneys.

Calcium carbonate serves as a direct source of calcium, which helps to correct the hypocalcemia associated with hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, vitamin D is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium in the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body would struggle to utilize dietary calcium effectively, regardless of intake levels. Therefore, this combination effectively addresses both the deficiency in blood calcium levels and promotes better absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract.

Other supplements, such as iron, magnesium, or vitamin C, do not directly address the core issue of calcium deficiency related to hypoparathyroidism and are not part of the standard management for this condition. Thus, recommending calcium carbonate with vitamin D directly targets the physiological needs of a client with hypoparathyroidism.