A nurse is preparing to administer a transdermal patch to a client. The nurse notes the client already has a patch that was applied 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Depression: Depression typically involves feelings of sadness, despair, and withdrawal. The client's statement about wanting comfort, rather than prolonged sadness, reflects acceptance, not depression.

B. Bargaining: Bargaining is when individuals try to make deals to reverse their situation, often asking for more time. The client’s statement reflects a decision to stop treatment, not bargaining for more time.

C. Denial: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge the reality of the situation. The client’s statement shows recognition of their condition and prioritizing comfort, which shows acceptance rather than denial.

D. Acceptance: In the acceptance stage, individuals come to terms with their diagnosis and focus on achieving peace. The client’s request for comfort care is consistent with acceptance, where they focus on making the most of their time.

A. Muscle flaccidity: Hypocalcemia typically causes muscle twitching or spasms, not flaccidity. Muscle flaccidity is more often associated with conditions like hyperkalemia or electrolyte imbalances affecting muscle tone in different ways.

B. Lethargy: Lethargy can occur in various conditions, but it is not a hallmark of hypocalcemia. Instead, hypocalcemia usually causes symptoms like irritability, confusion, and muscle cramps rather than general lethargy.

C. Constipation: Constipation is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels tend to cause neuromuscular and cardiac symptoms rather than gastrointestinal issues like constipation.

D. Positive Chvostek's sign: A positive Chvostek's sign, which is a twitching of the facial muscles when tapping the facial nerve, is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. It indicates increased neuromuscular excitability, which is characteristic of low calcium levels.