The nurse is caring for a child with hypoparathyroidism who demonstrates a carpal spasm when pressure is applied to the upper arm. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?
Potassium.
Chloride.
Sodium.
Calcium.
The Correct Answer is D
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands produce insufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a decreased level of calcium in the blood, which can result in carpal spasm or tetany when pressure is applied to the upper arm.
Therefore, the nurse should review the child's calcium level (D) to determine if it is within the normal range. Low calcium levels can cause muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Hypocalcemia may also result in other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps.
Potassium (A), chloride (B), and sodium (C) are electrolytes that play important roles in various physiological processes in the body, but they are not directly related to the development of carpal spasm in a child with hypoparathyroidism. While hypokalemia (low potassium) or hyponatremia (low sodium) can cause muscle weakness or cramps, these conditions are not typically associated with carpal spasm in hypoparathyroidism.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Acute rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can develop after a streptococcal infection, particularly if the infection is not treated or resolved properly. The most common initial symptom of acute rheumatic fever is a sore throat, which is usually accompanied by a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
While mumps, chickenpox, and influenza are all infectious diseases, they are not directly linked to the development of acute rheumatic fever. However, a recent or untreated streptococcal infection (such as strep throat) can lead to the development of acute rheumatic fever.
Therefore, when obtaining a health history from a child with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, it is most significant to inquire about recent or untreated sore throat, as this is the most likely cause of the condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the parents to wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water to kill any remaining head lice and prevent reinfestation. The child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories should also be washed in hot soapy water or disposed of. Taking the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and a shorter haircut is not necessary for treatment of head lice. Rewashing the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period is not necessary if the permethrin shampoo has been used as directed.
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