Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which condition is commonly associated with an increased risk of calciphylaxis?

1. Chronic hepatitis

2. End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

3. Severe asthma

4. Pacreatitis

The correct answer is: End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Calciphylaxis is a serious condition characterized by vascular calcification and skin necrosis, and it is predominantly associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In patients with ESRD, the kidneys fail to adequately excrete phosphate, leading to hyperphosphatemia. This condition can cause calcium to be deposited in small blood vessels, particularly in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, resulting in painful, ischemic ulcers and wounds. Key risk factors that contribute to calciphylaxis in patients with ESRD include hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and altered calcium metabolism, all of which are affected by kidney function. The fact that ESRD patients are often on dialysis, which can complicate calcium and phosphorus management, further increases their risk of calciphylaxis. Other conditions listed, such as chronic hepatitis, severe asthma, and pancreatitis, do not have a direct or well-established association with the mechanisms leading to calciphylaxis. Therefore, these do not have the same connection to the condition as end-stage renal disease does. Understanding the primary association between ESRD and calciphylaxis underlines the importance of renal health in the management of mineral metabolism.