When discharging a client after parathyroidectomy, which instruction about oral calcium supplementation should be included?

• A. Take the calcium 30 to 60 minutes following a meal.
• B. Avoid sunlight because it can cause skin color change.
• C. Store the calcium in the refrigerator to maintain potency.
• D. Check the pulse daily and hold the dosage if it is below 60 beats per minute.

Answer: (A)

Taking calcium about 30 to 60 minutes after a meal optimizes absorption. Calcium supplements, especially calcium carbonate, rely on stomach acid produced during digestion to dissolve well, and meals boost that acid and provide a consistent window for absorption. This timing also helps minimize gastrointestinal upset. After parathyroidectomy, patients are at risk for hypocalcemia, so ensuring effective calcium intake is essential for maintaining calcium levels during recovery. The other instructions aren’t relevant to calcium absorption or safety in this context: sunlight exposure doesn’t affect calcium needs, storing calcium in the refrigerator isn’t necessary for potency, and monitoring the pulse to decide whether to hold the dose isn’t a standard concern with calcium supplementation.