A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted for hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Positive Chvostek's sign
Hypotension
Confusion
Positive Babinski reflex
The Correct Answer is A
A. Positive Chvostek's sign. Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary twitching of facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped. This sign is a well-known indicator of calcium deficiency and reflects heightened nerve sensitivity.
B. Hypotension. While severe hypocalcemia can affect cardiovascular function, hypotension is not a primary or consistent finding. More commonly, calcium imbalances affect muscle contractions rather than directly causing low blood pressure.
C. Confusion. Hypocalcemia can cause neurological symptoms, but confusion is more common in severe or prolonged cases. Early manifestations are usually neuromuscular, such as tetany or muscle cramps, rather than cognitive impairment.
D. Positive Babinski reflex. This reflex is associated with upper motor neuron dysfunction and neurological disorders rather than electrolyte imbalances like hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency primarily affects peripheral nerves and muscle excitability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will bathe my baby under a faucet of running water." Bathing a newborn under a running faucet increases the risk of accidental injury, sudden temperature changes, and loss of control while handling the baby. Instead, a gentle sponge bath or bathing in a small tub with controlled water temperature is recommended.
B. "I will wash my baby's face with a warm, wet washcloth without soap." This is an appropriate practice for newborn care. Using only warm water without soap helps prevent skin irritation, as a newborn’s skin is sensitive and prone to dryness. Special attention should be given to cleaning the eyes, nose, and mouth area gently.
C. "I will give my baby a bath every day." Daily bathing is not necessary for newborns and can lead to skin dryness and irritation. Instead, bathing two to three times per week is sufficient, with daily cleaning of the diaper area, face, and hands as needed.
D. "I will wash my baby's head using a moist towelette." While cleaning the baby’s head is important, a moist towelette is not the best method. The scalp should be gently washed with warm water and a mild baby shampoo to prevent buildup of oils and potential conditions like cradle cap.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing. While difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can be associated with certain conditions, it is not a typical indicator of unrelieved pain in a client receiving a spinal epidural. This symptom may be related to neurological involvement or medication side effects and should be assessed further.
B. Constipation. Opioids used in conjunction with epidural anesthesia can contribute to constipation, but this is a side effect rather than a direct indicator of pain. Constipation can also result from reduced mobility or decreased fluid intake, so it should be managed appropriately but does not necessarily reflect uncontrolled pain.
C. Urinary retention. Epidural anesthesia can affect bladder function by impairing the sensation of fullness and the ability to void. While urinary retention is a common side effect of epidural use, it is not a direct sign of unrelieved pain. Monitoring for bladder distention and assessing for the need for catheterization is important.
D. Clenched teeth. Clenching the teeth is a physical manifestation of pain, often indicating discomfort and distress. Clients experiencing unrelieved pain may also exhibit other nonverbal cues such as grimacing, restlessness, or guarding. The nurse should assess pain using an appropriate scale and notify the provider if pain is not adequately controlled.
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