NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Which phosphate binder is associated with a risk of hypercalcemia?

Aluminum hydroxide suspension
Calcium acetate
Lanthanum carbonate
Sevelamer carbonate

The correct answer is: Calcium acetate

Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder that is commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease to help reduce levels of phosphate in the blood. However, it is associated with a risk of hypercalcemia, a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood. This can be dangerous as it can lead to kidney damage, bone loss, and other complications. The other options listed – aluminum hydroxide suspension, lanthanum carbonate, and sevelamer carbonate – are also phosphate binders commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, they do not carry the same risk of hypercalcemia as calcium acetate. In fact, these alternatives may be preferred in patients who are at risk for hypercalcemia or who already have high levels of calcium in their blood. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to carefully consider the patient’s individual risk factors and medical history when prescribing a phosphate binder.