A nurse is collecting data on a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following factors should the nurse anticipate in the client’s history?

Choice A: Negative Chvostek’s sign is the absence of facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped. This is a normal finding and does not indicate hypoparathyroidism. A positive Chvostek’s sign is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur in hypoparathyroidism.

Choice B: Flaccid muscles are weak and limp muscles that lack tone and resistance. This is not a typical finding of hypoparathyroidism, as low levels of parathyroid hormone can cause muscle spasms, cramps, and tetany.

Choice C: Numbness of the hands is a common finding of hypoparathyroidism, as low levels of parathyroid hormone can cause hypocalcemia, which affects the nerve function and sensation. Numbness can also occur in the feet, lips, and tongue.

Choice D: Hypercalcemia is a high level of calcium in the blood. This is not a finding of hypoparathyroidism, as low levels of parathyroid hormone can cause hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia can be a sign of hyperparathyroidism, which is the opposite condition of hypoparathyroidism.

Choice A: Provide bulk-forming agent. This is incorrect because bulk-forming agents are used to treat constipation, not bowel obstruction. They can worsen the obstruction by increasing the stool volume and pressure in the bowel.

Choice B: Elevate the head of the bed. Elevating the head of the bed is an important intervention for clients with a small bowel obstruction. It can help reduce abdominal pressure, promote comfort, and facilitate better respiratory function, especially if the client is experiencing any associated nausea or vomiting. This position can also aid in the proper positioning of the intestines, potentially helping with any non-complicated obstructions.

Choice D: Monitor intake and output every 8 hr. This is incorrect because monitoring intake and output is not enough to assess the fluid and electrolyte balance of a client with a bowel obstruction. The nurse should monitor intake and output more frequently, such as every 4 hr or every shift, and report any signs of dehydration or imbalance.

Choice C: Measure abdominal girth daily. While this is an important assessment for monitoring the status of the obstruction, the immediate intervention of elevating the head of the bed can provide immediate comfort and support during the acute phase of the obstruction.