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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should report the findings of significant erythema and swelling in the scrotum immediately to the healthcare provider. The adolescent's symptoms may be indicative of testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent loss of the testicle. Obtaining a swab of secretions from the penis and urethra or collecting a sterile urine sample for culture and sensitivity are not appropriate actions for this presentation. Providing a urinal for urinary hesitancy may be appropriate if the adolescent is experiencing difficulty urinating, but this should not take precedence over reporting the findings to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should recognize that the statement "high-calorie formula encourages increased growth" is an appropriate understanding of interventions for an infant with FTT. High-calorie formula can help infants who are not gaining weight adequately to increase their calorie intake and promote growth.
Breast milk provides adequate nutrition for most infants, but in cases of FTT, the infant may require a higher calorie intake than breast milk can provide. Regular syringe feedings and fruit juice are not recommended interventions for FTT. Syringe feedings can cause aspiration and fruit juice does not provide the appropriate balance of nutrients needed for an infant's growth and development.
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