A nurse is assessing a client for a positive Chvostek's sign following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following areas on the client's head should the nurse tap to assess the client for tetany?
The Correct Answer is B
To assess a client for a positive Chvostek’s sign, the nurse should tap gently on the cheek, specifically two centimeters in front of the ear, over the facial nerve (also known as CN VII). This test is used to check for hypocalcemia, a condition that can lead to tetany, which is the involuntary contraction of muscles. A twitch of the facial muscles in response to this tapping indicates a positive Chvostek’s sign. This is particularly relevant following a thyroidectomy, as the procedure can indirectly affect the parathyroid glands, potentially leading to hypocalcemia
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the clients to limit engaging in sport activities that can cause bruising, as radiation therapy can cause thrombocytopenia and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should also encourage the clients to increase their fluid intake, eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and protect their skin from sun exposure. The nurse should not advise the clients to limit socializing in large crowds, unless they have a low white blood cell count and are at risk of infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client has hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring first to assess the client's heart rhythm and rate, and intervene if any abnormalities are detected. Administering an IV potassium drip is an appropriate intervention for hypokalemia, but it is not the first priority. Listening to the client's bowel sounds and checking the client's hand grasps are also relevant assessments for hypokalemia, as it can cause decreased bowel motility and muscle weakness, but they are not as urgent as cardiac monitoring.
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