Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What is a common treatment strategy for hypercalcemia?

1. Administration of fluids

2. Radiation therapy

3. Bone marrow transplant

4. Corticosteroid injections

The correct answer is: Administration of fluids

The common treatment strategy for hypercalcemia involves the administration of fluids, particularly intravenous saline. This approach helps to dilute the serum calcium levels and promotes renal excretion of calcium, thus alleviating symptoms and reducing the risk of complications associated with high calcium levels in the blood. Hydration not only assists in restoring normal fluid balance but also enhances kidney function, allowing for more effective elimination of excess calcium. In the context of hypercalcemia, other treatment options may exist, but they are not the primary strategies. For example, while radiation therapy can be effective in treating certain cancers that may lead to hypercalcemia through local bone destruction, it is not a first-line treatment for hypercalcemia itself. Bone marrow transplants are typically indicated in hematologic malignancies rather than managing hypercalcemia specifically. Corticosteroid injections may help with specific conditions like hypercalcemia due to certain malignancies, but they are not the overall standard treatment for this electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, the administration of fluids stands out as the most effective and commonly employed initial intervention for managing hypercalcemia.