A review of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is the inappropriate secretion of parathyroid hormone and is the most common cause of hypercalcemia. Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are asymptomatic, and the disease is more common in postmenopausal women than in older men. Primary hyperparathyroidism can be treated with medication and long-term monitoring; however, surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland is the definitive treatment. Rarely occurring, parathyroid crisis must be treated promptly to prevent deleterious effects to the patient. The patient experiencing parathyroid crisis benefits from the infusion nurse's knowledge of drug and fluid therapies and expertise in peripheral access.