Foundation Pharmacist Recruitment Practice Test

The primary purpose of calcium supplementation in chronic kidney disease revolves around its role in phosphate binding. In patients with chronic kidney disease, the kidneys become less effective at filtering out waste products, including excess phosphate. Elevated phosphate levels can lead to complications such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause bone disease and vascular calcification. By providing calcium supplements, phosphate can be bound in the gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing its absorption and helping to manage hyperphosphatemia. This is significant not only for improving mineral metabolism but also for reducing the risk of secondary complications associated with elevated phosphate levels, making this the most relevant reason for calcium supplementation in this context.

The other options, while they may relate to different physiological processes, do not accurately reflect the primary indication for calcium supplementation in the setting of chronic kidney disease. Calcium does play roles in cardiac function and blood pressure regulation, but these are not the main focus in the context of managing chronic kidney disease. Similarly, while calcium might influence stone formation, it is not primarily administered for this purpose within the scope of chronic kidney disease management.

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