A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has hypothyroidism. The client's calcium level is 7.6 mg/dL. When assessing the client, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle twitching
Hypertension
Bounding pulse
Hypoactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is A
A. Muscle twitching – Hypocalcemia (normal range: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL) causes neuromuscular excitability, leading to muscle twitching, tetany, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.
B. Hypertension – Hypocalcemia does not cause hypertension; instead, it may lead to hypotension.
C. Bounding pulse – Hypocalcemia does not cause a bounding pulse; it may cause weak and irregular pulses.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds – Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea rather than hypoactive bowel sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Muscle twitching – Hypocalcemia (normal range: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL) causes neuromuscular excitability, leading to muscle twitching, tetany, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.
B. Hypertension – Hypocalcemia does not cause hypertension; instead, it may lead to hypotension.
C. Bounding pulse – Hypocalcemia does not cause a bounding pulse; it may cause weak and irregular pulses.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds – Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea rather than hypoactive bowel sounds.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Placental abruption – This is the correct answer because placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, leading to severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, uterine rigidity, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure). The hallmark sign is a painful, rigid abdomen with contractions.
B. Amniotic fluid embolus – This condition presents with sudden respiratory distress, hypotension, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but it does not typically cause uterine rigidity or persistent contractions.
C. Placenta previa – Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding rather than severe abdominal pain and a rigid uterus.
D. Uterine rupture – Uterine rupture is usually associated with a history of uterine surgery (e.g., previous cesarean section). It presents with sudden, severe pain followed by cessation of contractions, not persistent contractions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.