A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Tingling of the lips
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Skeletal muscle weakness
Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
The Correct Answer is A
A) Tingling of the lips:
This is the correct choice. Hypocalcemia, which is low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations around the lips and in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of low calcium levels on the nervous system.
B) Hypoactive bowel sounds:
Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular function rather than gastrointestinal function. While calcium imbalances can impact gastrointestinal motility, hypoactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypocalcemia.
C) Skeletal muscle weakness:
Skeletal muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels affect the ability of muscles to contract effectively, leading to weakness and fatigue.
D) Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypocalcemia can actually lead to increased deep-tendon reflexes rather than decreased reflexes. Calcium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission, and low levels can result in hyperexcitability of nerves, leading to increased reflexes rather than decreased reflexes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(A) Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis often leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for the acid-base imbalance.
(B) Hyperventilation: This is the most appropriate answer. Hyperventilation is a common response to metabolic acidosis. The body attempts to compensate for the high acid levels by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide (which is acidic) and raise the blood pH.
(C) Increased blood pressure: Metabolic acidosis does not typically cause an increase in blood pressure. In fact, severe acidosis can lead to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.
(D) Cool, clammy skin: While cool, clammy skin can be a sign of shock or other serious conditions, it is not a typical manifestation of metabolic acidosis. However, in severe cases, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock, which might present with cool, clammy skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Acute respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate excretion of carbon dioxide due to respiratory dysfunction, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) and subsequent acidosis (decrease in pH).
Manifestations of acute respiratory acidosis include:
A. Circumoral numbness and tingling - This is associated with respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. B. Muscle flaccidity - This is more commonly seen in hyperkalemia or conditions affecting neuromuscular transmission. C. Decreased level of consciousness - This is a key manifestation of acute respiratory acidosis due to the effects of hypercapnia on the central nervous system. D. Cool, clammy skin - This is not typically associated with acute respiratory acidosis; instead, it might be seen in shock or hypoperfusion states.
Therefore, the nurse should expect to find a decreased level of consciousness in a client experiencing acute respiratory acidosis.
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