The nurse is caring for client who has had partial removal the parathyroid gland. The client reports numbness and tingling of the hands and fingers. Which lab value would the nurse expect to see?

A) SOAP documentation:
SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) documentation is a method used for organizing and documenting client information. It focuses on both subjective and objective data, as well as the assessment and plan. While SOAP helps structure the documentation of patient conditions and interventions, it does not specifically focus on documenting only unexpected findings. It is a more comprehensive approach that includes normal and abnormal findings, not just the unexpected ones.

B) Focus charting (DAR):
Focus charting (DAR) is based on a client-centered approach and uses the components of Data, Action, and Response. It is a way of documenting observations and interventions, particularly in relation to specific patient problems or conditions. Focus charting is more about the care provided, responses to interventions, and client outcomes. While it may include unexpected findings, it doesn’t limit documentation exclusively to abnormal or unexpected events.

C) Charting by exception (CBE):
Charting by exception (CBE) is a documentation method that focuses on recording only the significant deviations from the norm. It emphasizes noting any abnormal or unexpected findings, and everything that is normal is assumed to be within expected limits and not documented. This method reduces the amount of documentation by excluding routine information and only highlighting significant, unexpected findings. Therefore, CBE is the correct answer in this scenario, as it involves documenting only unexpected or abnormal findings related to the client's condition.

D) Problem-oriented medical record (POMR):
POMR is a method of documentation that organizes client care around specific problems or diagnoses. It includes the identification of problems, interventions, and outcomes. While POMR focuses on client problems and plans of care, it does not specifically focus on documenting only unexpected findings. It may include both normal and abnormal findings related to each identified problem.

A) Chloride 112:
Chloride levels are typically not directly associated with numbness or tingling of the hands and fingers. Elevated chloride levels (greater than 108 mEq/L) may indicate metabolic acidosis, but they would not directly explain the symptoms seen in this client following parathyroidectomy. Therefore, this value is unlikely to be relevant in this scenario.

B) Calcium 7.5:
After the partial removal of the parathyroid glands, the client may experience hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, due to the reduced production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. When the parathyroid glands are removed or damaged, there may be insufficient PTH to maintain normal calcium levels, leading to hypocalcemia. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and fingers. A calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5–10.5 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia, which is consistent with the patient's symptoms.

C) Potassium 4.0:
A potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not typically cause numbness or tingling. Although potassium imbalances can cause neuromuscular symptoms, they would not be the most likely cause of the symptoms in this case, especially in relation to parathyroidectomy.

D) Calcium 12.1:
A calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL is elevated and would suggest hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and weakness, but it does not typically cause numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Elevated calcium levels are more likely to occur in conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy, not typically following parathyroid gland removal. Therefore, this is not the expected lab result in this scenario.