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?

Chloride 112

Calcium 7.5

Potassium 4.0

Calcium 12.1

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["10"]

Explanation

Set up the dosage calculation:

Desired dose:5 mg

Available dose:0.5 mg/tablet

We need to find out how many tablets will contain 5 mg of digoxin.

Use the formula:

Number of tablets = Desired dose (mg) / Available dose (mg/tablet)

Plug in the values and calculate:

Number of tablets = 5 mg / 0.5 mg/tablet

Number of tablets = 10 tablets

Round to the nearest whole number:

10 tablets

A. Dehydration B. Rigid abdomen C. Hypothermia D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Dehydration:
Diarrhea, especially when prolonged for several days, leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which can result in dehydration. Common signs of dehydration include dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, low urine output, hypotension, and increased heart rate. Dehydration is one of the most expected findings in a patient with prolonged diarrhea due to the loss of water and electrolytes from the body.
B) Rigid abdomen:
A rigid abdomen could indicate peritonitis or a serious abdominal condition such as bowel perforation, which is a medical emergency. This would not be expected in a patient with uncomplicated diarrhea. Rigid abdominal muscles are typically associated with acute abdominal emergencies rather than simple diarrhea.
C) Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is generally not associated with diarrhea. Diarrhea is more likely to cause fever or a normal body temperature due to the body's inflammatory response to infection or irritation. Hypothermia typically occurs in cases of prolonged exposure to cold or in critically ill patients, but it is not a typical response to diarrhea alone.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
While decreased or absent bowel sounds can be seen in bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus, it is not typically a finding associated with diarrhea. In fact, in the early stages of diarrhea, increased bowel sounds (hyperactive bowel sounds) are often noted due to the rapid peristalsis and gastrointestinal irritation.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin 5 mg PO to a client. The amount available is digoxin 0.5 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number, Use leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["10"]

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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?