A patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism questions the nurse regarding the need for adequate vitamin D intake. The nurse understands that vitamin D is necessary for the parathyroid hormone to exert its effects because:
Explanation
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by hypocalcemia, often a result of inadequate vitamin D
• Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the intestines, leading to a decrease in parathyroid secretion
• Vitamin D is converted into its active form in the kidney. This is particularly important for patients with chronic renal failure
• Vitamin D is not used to synthesize parathyroid hormone