🍪
'Tis the season sale SAVE 30% now
Physician Assistant (PA)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders
/
Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Master Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

#1 Foam-finger Hiker-para-thigh-droid
Picmonic
This condition is characterized by an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which regulates serum calcium and phosphorus levels by stimulating bone resorption of calcium, renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, and the activation of Vitamin D.
8 KEY FACTS
ASSESSMENT
Hypercalcemia
Hiker-calcified-cow

Manifestations of hyperparathyroidism are often related to the accompanying hypercalcemia. This may include lethargy, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Kidney Stones
Kidney-throwing Stones

As the calcium builds up in the body, crystals can form in the kidneys. Over time, the crystals may combine to form renal calculi or kidney stones.

Osteoporosis
Ostrich-with-porous-bones

Osteoporosis can occur due to significant bone density loss.

Arrhythmias
Broken Arrhythmia-drum

Because hyperparathyroidism leads to hypercalcemia, EKG changes may be seen, which includes a shortened QT interval and shortened ST segment. Cardiovascular changes are the most serious and life-threatening problems of hypercalcemia and should therefore be treated immediately.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Increased Calcium and Decreased Phosphorus
Up-arrow Calcium-cow and Down-arrow Phosphorus-P

The parathyroid glands regulate calcium and phosphate balance, thus an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts directly on the kidneys to cause increased reabsorption of calcium and increased phosphate excretion. Diagnostic tests confirming hyperparathyroidism will have a higher than normal calcium level above 10.5 mg/dL and decreased serum phosphorus levels.

CONSIDERATIONS
Prevent Injury
Prevent Injury and broken bones

Individuals with chronic hyperparathyroidism are at high risk for pathologic fractures due to significant bone density loss. Preventing injury is crucial when providing care and should include fall prevention techniques, educating all members of the healthcare team to handle the patient carefully, using a draw sheet when repositioning, and accompanying the patient when ambulating.

Medication Education
Medication Educator

Several medications can be used to help lower calcium levels. The patient should be educated on their proper use and to recognize signs of hypocalcemia. Loop diuretics may be used to increase urinary excretion of calcium, while bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby normalizing calcium levels and improving bone mineral density.

Surgery
Surgeon

Surgical removal of the parathyroid glands (partial or complete) is the most effective treatment of hyperparathyroidism. May need to monitor for tetany related to low serum calcium levels.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Thyroid Nodule Assessment
picmonic thumbnail
Thyroid Function Screening Tests
picmonic thumbnail
Hypothyroidism Intervention
picmonic thumbnail
Hyperthyroidism Assessment
picmonic thumbnail
Hyperthyroidism Interventions

Take the Primary Hyperparathyroidism Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Physician Assistant (PA) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,990,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Physician Assistant (PA) student study app.

Picmonic for Physician Assistant (PA) covers information that is relevant to your entire Physician Assistant (PA) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the PANCE® or PANRE®, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Physician Assistant (PA) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.