Question

a client with pagets disease is started on calcitonin 500 mcg subcutaneously daily. during the initial treatment, what is the priority nursing action?

a evaluate the clients level of pain.

b monitor the clients alkaline phosphatase levels.

c assess the injection site for inflammation.

d observe the client for signs of hypersensitivity.

Explanation:

When a client starts calcitonin therapy, especially initially, hypersensitivity reactions (like allergic responses) are a priority to monitor as they can be immediate and life - threatening. Evaluating pain (A) is important for Paget's disease but not the priority initial nursing action with a new medication. Monitoring alkaline phosphatase (B) is for long - term treatment efficacy, not initial. Assessing injection site inflammation (C) is a concern but less urgent than hypersensitivity.

Answer:

D. Observe the client for signs of hypersensitivity.