A nurse is assessing a client who had a thyroidectomy. The nurse suspects that the client is experiencing hypocalcemia due to inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands. Which of the following statements by the client supports this suspicion?

Choice A reason:

Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, which can impair gas exchange and cause hypoxia. It can occur after surgery due to anesthesia, pain, or immobility. However, atelectasis does not usually cause fever and chills, unless it is complicated by pneumonia.

Choice B reason:

Dehydration is the loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body, which can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. It can occur after surgery due to blood loss, vomiting, or inadequate intake. However, dehydration does not usually cause fever and chills, unless it is associated with infection or heat stroke.

Choice C reason:

Inflammation is the body's response to tissue injury or infection, which involves increased blood flow, swelling, pain, and heat. It can occur after surgery as part of the normal healing process. However, inflammation does not usually cause fever and chills, unless it is severe or systemic.

Choice D reason:

Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body, which can trigger an immune response and cause inflammation, fever, and chills. It can occur after surgery due to contamination of the surgical site, catheters, or intravenous lines. Infection is the most likely cause of fever and chills in a postoperative patient.

Choice A reason:

Tingling in the fingers and toes is a sign of paresthesia, which is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia occurs when the blood calcium level is too low, which can happen after a thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium balance in the body. Without enough parathyroid hormone, calcium levels drop and cause neuromuscular irritability and numbness or tingling sensations.

Choice B reason:

Difficulty swallowing and speaking is not a specific sign of hypocalcemia, but rather a possible complication of a thyroidectomy due to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This nerve innervates the muscles of the larynx, which control voice production and swallowing. Damage to this nerve can cause hoarseness, weak voice, or vocal cord paralysis.

Choice C reason:

Dry mouth and increased thirst are not signs of hypocalcemia, but rather signs of dehydration. Dehydration can occur for various reasons, such as fluid loss, inadequate fluid intake, or increased fluid needs. Dehydration can affect the electrolyte balance in the body, but it does not directly cause hypocalcemia.

Choice D reason:

Muscle weakness and fatigue are not specific signs of hypocalcemia, but rather general signs of malaise. Malaise can occur for various reasons, such as infection, inflammation, stress, or chronic illness. Malaise can affect the physical and mental well-being of a person, but it does not directly cause hypocalcemia.