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 C
Explanation
Administer the injection into the middle of the lateral aspect of the thigh is the correct choice. This is the recommended site for intramuscular injection in toddlers who have been walking for at least one month, as it is a large muscle with minimal nerves and blood vessels. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate techniques for administering an intramuscular injection to a toddler with pneumonia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A
Rationale:
(A) Repair should be done before the child is potty-trained: Surgical correction of hypospadias is typically recommended before the child reaches the age of 18 months, ideally between 6 and 12 months. This timing ensures that the child has not yet developed any psychological awareness of the surgery and helps avoid complications during toilet training. Repair before potty training is important to prevent urinary dysfunction and psychosocial issues.
(B) The urethral repair should be done after sexual maturity: Delaying surgical repair until after sexual maturity is not recommended. Early repair is crucial to ensure normal urinary and sexual function, and delaying it could lead to complications such as difficulty with urination and psychological distress.
(C) Surgery should be done by one month to prevent bladder infections: While preventing urinary tract infections is important, performing surgery as early as one month is not typically necessary or recommended. The optimal timing is closer to 6 to 12 months of age when the child is more resilient to surgery but still before the developmental milestones of potty training.
(D) Delaying the repair until school age reduces castration fears: Delaying the surgery until school age can actually increase psychological stress and fear of castration. Early surgical correction is preferred to minimize psychological impact and to allow the child to develop normally without the need for complex explanations or fear of surgery later in life.
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