A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted for hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Positive Chvostek's sign
Hypotension
Confusion
Positive Babinski reflex
The Correct Answer is A
A. Positive Chvostek's sign. Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary twitching of facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped. This sign is a well-known indicator of calcium deficiency and reflects heightened nerve sensitivity.
B. Hypotension. While severe hypocalcemia can affect cardiovascular function, hypotension is not a primary or consistent finding. More commonly, calcium imbalances affect muscle contractions rather than directly causing low blood pressure.
C. Confusion. Hypocalcemia can cause neurological symptoms, but confusion is more common in severe or prolonged cases. Early manifestations are usually neuromuscular, such as tetany or muscle cramps, rather than cognitive impairment.
D. Positive Babinski reflex. This reflex is associated with upper motor neuron dysfunction and neurological disorders rather than electrolyte imbalances like hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency primarily affects peripheral nerves and muscle excitability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Can be a result of an early bowel obstruction. Hyperactive bowel sounds are characterized by loud, high-pitched, and frequent gurgling or rushing noises. They occur when there is increased intestinal motility, which can be seen in conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, or the early stages of a mechanical bowel obstruction. As the obstruction progresses, bowel sounds may become hypoactive or absent.
B. No sounds heard after listening for 3 to 5 min. This finding indicates absent bowel sounds, not hyperactive ones. Absent bowel sounds suggest complete bowel obstruction, paralytic ileus, or peritonitis and require immediate medical evaluation.
C. Sounds are soft and at a rate of 1/min. Hypoactive bowel sounds, rather than hyperactive ones, are characterized by infrequent, soft, or sluggish sounds occurring at a rate of less than 5 sounds per minute. Hypoactive bowel sounds are often associated with postoperative recovery, peritonitis, or late-stage bowel obstruction.
D. Indicates decreased motility. Hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased, not decreased, intestinal motility. Decreased motility is associated with hypoactive or absent bowel sounds, which can occur due to conditions such as ileus, bowel obstruction, or the effects of certain medications, including opioids.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Occasional small clots in the urine." Small clots in the urine can be expected in the first 24 to 48 hours following a vaginal hysterectomy due to minor bleeding from surgical manipulation. However, large or persistent clots should be reported as they may indicate active bleeding.
B. "Frequent urge to urinate." A frequent urge to urinate is common after surgery due to bladder irritation, inflammation, or the effects of anesthesia. However, if accompanied by pain, burning, or difficulty urinating, it could indicate a urinary tract infection or urinary retention requiring further evaluation.
C. "Dark red urine." Dark red urine suggests active bleeding, which is not an expected postoperative finding and requires immediate evaluation. This may indicate excessive surgical site bleeding or trauma to the urinary tract, necessitating prompt intervention by the provider.
D. "Urine output of 300 mL over 8 hr." While this is lower than the expected urine output (at least 30 mL/hr or 240 mL in 8 hours), it is not critically low. The nurse should encourage fluid intake and monitor for signs of dehydration or urinary retention before escalating the concern to the provider.
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