Calcitonin

What is the drug classification of calcitonin?

A. Bisphosphonate

B. Hormone

C. Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)

D. Corticosteroid

B. Hormone

Calcitonin is primarily used in the treatment of:

A. Hypocalcemia

B. Hyperthyroidism

C. Osteoporosis

D. Iron-deficiency anemia

C. Osteoporosis

What is the mechanism of action of calcitonin?

A. Inhibits osteoblast activity

B. Stimulates parathyroid hormone secretion

C. Inhibits osteoclast activity to decrease bone resorption

D. Increases calcium absorption in the GI tract

C. Inhibits osteoclast activity to decrease bone resorption

Calcitonin helps regulate levels of which mineral in the blood?

A. Potassium

B. Sodium

C. Calcium

D. Magnesium

C. Calcium

adverse / side effects

Nausea, vomiting, flushing, rash, rhinitis (with nasal spray) Important Side Effects: Nasal adverse effects with long-term nasal spray use

Which form of calcitonin is commonly used therapeutically?

A. Human

B. Bovine

C. Salmon

D. Porcine

C. Salmon

A patient is receiving intranasal calcitonin. The nurse should monitor for which local side effect?

A. Dry mouth

B. Nasal irritation

C. Tinnitus

D. Bradycardia

B. Nasal irritation

Which condition is a contraindication for calcitonin therapy?

A. Pregnancy

B. Allergy to salmon protein

C. Hypertension

D. Osteopenia

B. Allergy to salmon protein

A patient taking calcitonin should be advised that it may increase the risk of:

A. Liver failure

B. Blood clots

C. Hypocalcemia

D. Hyperkalemia

C. Hypocalcemia

Which is a serious but rare side effect of calcitonin?

A. Anaphylaxis

B. Hair loss

C. Constipation

D. Insomnia

A. Anaphylaxis

Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action when administering calcitonin via nasal spray?

A. Shake the bottle vigorously before each use

B. Have the patient lie flat for 30 minutes

C. Alternate nostrils daily

D. Use it with a decongestant

C. Alternate nostrils daily

Calcitonin is used as adjunct therapy for which painful condition associated with bone breakdown?

A. Osteoarthritis

B. Acute gout

C. Paget’s disease

D. Tendinitis

C. Paget’s disease

What is the recommended patient teaching regarding the storage of intranasal calcitonin?

A. Store in the freezer

B. Keep in a warm place

C. Refrigerate unopened bottles

D. Leave the bottle in direct sunlight

C. Refrigerate unopened bottles

When administering calcitonin subcutaneously, what is a common local side effect?

A. Muscle twitching

B. Injection site redness

C. Edema

D. Severe fatigue

B. Injection site redness

What lab value should be monitored periodically during calcitonin therapy?

A. BUN

B. Calcium

C. Sodium

D. Hemoglobin

B. Calcium

What is an expected therapeutic effect of calcitonin?

A. Lowering potassium levels

B. Increased bone mineral density

C. Increased bone resorption

D. Lowered blood glucose levels

B. Increased bone mineral density

What is the most appropriate response if a patient reports nausea after receiving calcitonin?

A. Withhold all future doses

B. Report the symptom to the provider

C. Administer antiemetic without notifying provider

D. Encourage more calcium in the diet

B. Report the symptom to the provider

Which of the following patient statements indicates a need for further teaching?

A. “I’ll take calcium and vitamin D as directed.”

B. “I’ll store the nasal spray in the fridge before opening.”

C. “I can stop taking the medication once my pain goes away.”

D. “I’ll tell my provider if I have nasal irritation.”

C. “I can stop taking the medication once my pain goes away.”

What symptom could indicate an allergic reaction to calcitonin?

A. Muscle cramps

B. Sneezing

C. Difficulty breathing

D. Flushed cheeks

C. Difficulty breathing

Which route of administration is not typical for calcitonin?

A. Intranasal

B. Subcutaneous

C. Intravenous

D. Intramuscular

C. Intravenous

What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan for a patient on calcitonin therapy?

A. “Increase intake of high-phosphorus foods.”

B. “Avoid weight-bearing exercise.”

C. “Notify your provider if you develop skin rash, swelling, or shortness of breath.”

D. “Take with grapefruit juice to increase absorption.”

C. “Notify your provider if you develop skin rash, swelling, or shortness of breath.”