A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoparathyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Flaccid muscles
Client report of anorexia
Client report of numbness in his hands
Negative Chvostek's sign
The Correct Answer is C
A. Flaccid muscles are associated with conditions like hypokalemia, not hypoparathyroidism. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels and can result in muscle spasms and tetany, not flaccid muscles.
B. While anorexia can occur in clients with various health conditions, it is not a specific finding associated with hypoparathyroidism.
C. Correct. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps, especially in the extremities.
D. A positive Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, which can be caused by hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, a negative Chvostek's sign would not be an expected finding in a client with hypoparathyroidism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- Choice A Rationale: Placing the head of the bed in the flat position is not recommended as it can increase the risk of airway obstruction and reduce venous drainage from the head, which is especially critical after thyroid surgery.
- Choice B Rationale: While deep breathing is important postoperatively, it is not specific to thyroidectomy care and should be done more frequently than every 4 hours to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent atelectasis.
- Choice C Rationale: Hyperextending the client's neck can be harmful post-thyroidectomy as it may put stress on the surgical site, potentially leading to dehiscence or damage to the area.
- Choice D Rationale: Checking the client's voice every 2 hours is essential after a thyroidectomy because vocal cord paralysis can be an indicator of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, which is a potential complication of the surgery. Monitoring the voice allows for early detection and intervention.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Take thyroid replacement medication, as ordered. This is crucial for individuals who have undergone a thyroidectomy, as they will likely need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal thyroid function.
B. Watch for changes in body functioning, such as lethargy, restlessness, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin. Report them to the physician.
These symptoms could indicate potential issues with thyroid hormone levels and should be reported to the physician for further evaluation.
C. Recognize the signs of dehydration. This is important for overall health and can be especially relevant post-surgery. Dehydration can exacerbate other issues and slow down the healing process.
D. Carry injectable dexamethasone at all times. This is not a standard discharge instruction after a thyroidectomy. Dexamethasone may be prescribed for specific situations, but it is not a routine medication for all patients post-thyroidectomy.
E. Report any signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. This is important because thyroidectomy can affect blood sugar levels. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for the client's well-being.
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