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 prepare the mother for a sweat-chloride test to screen for cystic fibrosis (CF). A sweat- chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the sweat and is used to diagnose CF. CF is a genetic disorder that can cause the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and pancreas. One of the symptoms of CF is salty-tasting skin due to an increased amount of salt in the sweat. The other options (B, C, and D) are not standard diagnostic tests for screening for CF.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should report a positive rapid strep test of the oropharynx to the healthcare provider. Acute glomerulonephritis is often caused by a recent streptococcal infection, and a positive rapid strep test would confirm this as the underlying cause
A blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg is within the normal range for a child and would not need to be reported.
A maculopapular rash over the trunk of the body is not typically associated with acute glomerulonephritis and would not need to be reported.
Weight loss may occur with acute glomerulonephritis due to decreased appetite, but it is not an urgent finding that needs to be reported immediately.
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