Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 - Free Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Monitoring calcium and vitamin D is essential for patients on dialysis primarily to prevent bone disease. In chronic kidney disease, particularly in patients undergoing dialysis, the kidneys become less effective at excreting phosphate. This accumulation of phosphate can lead to a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands produce excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) to try to regulate calcium and phosphate levels.

An imbalance in calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D can result in altered bone metabolism, leading to complications such as renal osteodystrophy. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Without proper vitamin D levels, even if calcium is supplemented, patients might not effectively absorb it, thus exacerbating the risk of bone diseases.

Additionally, the management of mineral and bone disorder is a critical component of care for patients on dialysis, making vigilance in monitoring these levels vital in preventing further complications and maintaining skeletal integrity.