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","B","C"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client with a phosphate level of 5.7 mg/dL likely has a manifestation of hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism leads to decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which causes increased renal phosphate reabsorption, leading to elevated phosphate levels in the blood.
Choice B rationale:
A calcium level of 9.8 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.2 mg/dL) and does not indicate hypoparathyroidism.
Choice C rationale:
A vitamin D level of 25 ng/mL is within the normal range (30-100 ng/mL) and does not suggest hypoparathyroidism.
Choice D rationale:
A magnesium level of 1.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.7-2.2 mEq/L) and does not directly indicate hypoparathyroidism.
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