The nurse is concerned that a patient recovering from a thyroidectomy is developing hypocalcemia. What findings did the nurse use to come to this conclusion? Select all that apply.
Contraction of the facial muscles.
Complaints of fingers tingling.
Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement.
Asked when the foot numbness would go away.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale:
The nurse considered contraction of facial muscles as a finding of hypocalcemia because it is associated with Chvostek's sign, which indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Complaints of fingers tingling are indicative of hypocalcemia since tingling sensations (paresthesias) in the extremities can result from decreased calcium levels affecting nerve function.
Choice C rationale:
Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement is known as Trousseau's sign and is associated with hypocalcemia. When the blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure, it can cause tetany in the hand if the calcium levels are low.
Choice D rationale:
Asking when foot numbness would go away does not directly relate to hypocalcemia or its symptoms. It is not a finding used to come to the conclusion of hypocalcemia in this scenario.
Choice E rationale:
The heart rate being 88 and regular does not directly indicate hypocalcemia. While hypocalcemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, a heart rate of 88 and regular is within the normal range and not a specific finding for hypocalcemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Romaine lettuce is a good dietary source of magnesium. Since the patient has a low serum magnesium level, suggesting foods rich in magnesium like romaine lettuce can help improve magnesium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Lean red meat is not a good suggestion for a patient with low magnesium levels. While it contains magnesium, it is not as rich in magnesium as some other food choices.
Choice C rationale:
Almonds are a good dietary source of magnesium and can be recommended to the patient with low magnesium levels to help increase their magnesium intake.
Choice D rationale:
White rice is not a significant source of magnesium and may not be helpful in improving the patient's low magnesium levels.
Choice E rationale:
Seafood is a good source of various nutrients but is not particularly rich in magnesium compared to other options like almonds and romaine lettuce. Thus, it may not be the best suggestion for the patient's low magnesium levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Sodium 155 mEq/L. Choice A rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and is consistent with fluid volume deficit. However, it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 19 mg/dL can be a normal value. It is within the reference range (usually around 7-20 mg/dL) and does not provide specific information about fluid volume deficit.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 44.9% can also be within the normal range for some individuals, and while it can be elevated in cases of fluid volume deficit, it is not as sensitive as other parameters for detecting this condition.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because a sodium level of 155 mEq/L is elevated and indicates hypernatremia, which is associated with fluid volume deficit. Hypernatremia occurs when there is a relative lack of water in relation to the sodium concentration in the blood, and it can lead to dehydration
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