A person with hypothyroidism has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. What medication would you expect to administer?

In a case where a person with hypothyroidism presents with a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL, the medication expected to be administered is calcitonin. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps lower serum calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity in the bones, which decreases the release of calcium into the bloodstream, and enhancing renal excretion of calcium.

Hypothyroidism can sometimes lead to disturbances in calcium metabolism, and a high serum calcium level (hypercalcemia) suggests that there is an excess of calcium in the blood that needs to be addressed. Calcitonin effectively manages this by working to lower the calcium levels and restore balance.

While levothyroxine is used for replacing thyroid hormone in hypothyroid patients, it wouldn't be appropriate in this scenario as it does not address hypercalcemia directly. Calcium carbonate is a calcium supplement utilized for conditions like osteoporosis or to treat calcium deficiency but would not be indicated for someone with already high calcium levels. Vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption, would also not be suitable in a situation where the patient's calcium levels are elevated. Thus, calcitonin is the most appropriate choice for managing elevated serum calcium in this context.