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A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A.

Positive Trousseau's sign

B.

Muscle cramps

C.

Tingling sensation around the lips

D.

Negative Chvostek's sign

E.

Abdominal distention

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C

A. Positive Trousseau's sign: A positive Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff) is a classic indicator of hypocalcemia due to increased neuromuscular excitability.
B. Muscle cramps: Hypocalcemia leads to increased nerve excitability, causing muscle cramps, spasms, and tetany.
C. Tingling sensation around the lips: This is a common early sign of hypocalcemia, known as perioral paresthesia, due to increased nerve excitability.
D. Negative Chvostek's sign: A client with hypocalcemia would have a positive Chvostek’s sign, which is facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped.
E. Abdominal distention: Hypocalcemia is more associated with diarrhea and hyperactive bowel sounds, not abdominal distention, which is more typical of hypokalemia.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. High-pitched wheezing Wheezing indicates airway constriction, which is a sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. This requires immediate intervention (e.g., stopping the medication, administering epinephrine, and providing oxygen).
B. Urticaria over the entire body While urticaria (hives) is a sign of an allergic reaction, it is not as urgent as airway compromise. It should still be reported but does not take immediate priority over wheezing.
C. Pruritis of the face Facial itching is a mild allergic reaction but does not indicate imminent airway compromise like wheezing does.
D. Rhinitis with clear discharge Nasal congestion or a runny nose can be a mild allergic reaction but is not an emergency.
Priority action: Apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework, which prioritizes airway compromise (wheezing) over skin-related allergic reactions.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) A slight fever is not a primary sign of internal bleeding. It could be related to infection or another inflammatory response.
B. Respiratory rate of 10/min Internal bleeding is more likely to cause an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) due to hypoxia rather than a decreased rate.
C. Heart rate of 112/min Tachycardia (HR >100 bpm) is an early sign of internal bleeding. The body increases the heart rate to compensate for blood loss and maintain perfusion.
D. Blood pressure of 136/88 mm Hg While low blood pressure (hypotension) can indicate severe internal bleeding, this BP is within normal range. However, a sudden drop in BP later would be a concerning sign.

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