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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) "A heating pad will be used on the operative site to help reduce pain.":
Using a heating pad on the operative site is generally not recommended post-surgery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling. Cold therapy is usually preferred to help reduce pain and inflammation.
(B) "You will use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine several times a day.":
Continuous passive motion machines are typically used after knee replacement surgeries, not hip replacement surgeries. Therefore, this statement would not be accurate for a total hip replacement.
(C) "Expect to remain in bed for at least the first 24 hours.":
Early mobilization is crucial after hip replacement surgery to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery. Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed and start moving with assistance as soon as possible, often within the first 24 hours.
(D) "You will use a special soap to shower with the evening before your surgery.":
Using a special antiseptic soap before surgery is a common preoperative instruction to help reduce the risk of infection. This statement is correct and should be included in the preoperative teaching.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). In this case, the client’s pH is high and PaCO2 is normal, which rules out respiratory acidosis.
(B) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). Although the client’s pH is high, the PaCO2 is normal, which rules out respiratory alkalosis.
(C) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). The client’s pH and bicarbonate levels are both high, which rules out metabolic acidosis.
(D) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L). The client’s pH is 7.6 and bicarbonate level is 32 mEq/L, both of which are higher than normal. This indicates metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, the nurse should identify that the client is experiencing metabolic alkalosis.
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