Which nursing action is appropriate if a patient exhibits signs of hypercalcemia?

Encouraging increased fluid intake is an appropriate nursing action for a patient exhibiting signs of hypercalcemia because hydration helps to dilute calcium levels in the blood and promotes renal excretion of excess calcium. Increased fluid intake can mitigate complications associated with hypercalcemia, such as kidney stones and potential renal impairment.

By facilitating renal function, the kidneys can more effectively eliminate excess calcium from the body, thereby helping to lower serum calcium levels. Additionally, hydration can assist in preventing dehydration, which could further exacerbate the hypercalcemia condition.

In contrast, administering calcium supplements would be inappropriate as the patient's condition involves elevated calcium levels. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is not relevant since hypercalcemia and hypoglycemia are unrelated conditions. Increasing intake of vitamin D-rich foods is also inappropriate, as vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, which would worsen hypercalcemia. Thus, increasing fluid intake is the most effective and safe nursing intervention in this scenario.