A nurse reviewing the laboratory of a client who had a total thyroidectomy discovers that his calcium level is 7 mg/dL. Which of the following client findings should the nurse expect?
Hypertension.
Diaphoresis.
Muscle tetany.
Increased thirst.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not typically associated with low calcium levels. Hypertension is more commonly linked to issues with blood pressure regulation and not calcium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct symptom of low calcium levels. Low calcium can lead to muscle cramps and tetany, but not sweating.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle tetany is a common manifestation of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). It results from increased neuromuscular excitability, causing muscle spasms and contractions. A calcium level of 7 mg/dL is below the normal range, and this client is at risk for muscle tetany.
Choice D rationale:
Increased thirst is not a typical symptom of low calcium levels. Symptoms of hypocalcemia are primarily related to neuromuscular and cardiovascular changes, such as muscle tetany and cardiac arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Withholding the digoxin dose for a decreased heart rate is the correct action. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure, but it can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. In this scenario, the client's heart rate is already at 54 beats per minute, which is below the normal range. Administering digoxin could further slow the heart rate, potentially leading to dangerous bradycardia or heart block. Withholding the medication is essential to prevent this adverse event.
Choice B rationale:
Administering digoxin 0.25 mg is not the appropriate action in this case. The client's heart rate is already below the normal range, and giving the full dose of digoxin could further depress the heart rate and increase the risk of bradycardia. Withholding the medication is the safer course of action.
Choice C rationale:
Administering digoxin 0.125 mg is not recommended because the client's heart rate is already below the normal range. While a reduced dose may be considered in some situations, it's essential to withhold the medication and consult with the healthcare provider in this specific case, as the client's heart rate is significantly low.
Choice D rationale:
Withholding the digoxin dose for elevated BP is not the appropriate action. Digoxin is primarily used to treat heart failure by increasing the force of cardiac contractions. Elevated blood pressure is not an indication to withhold digoxin. The focus should be on addressing the low heart rate in this scenario. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C.
Choice A: Oxygen saturation of 95% The normal oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.
Choice B: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L The normal serum sodium levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L. A serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.
Choice C: Blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg Furosemide is a potent diuretic that can lead to a significant depletion of electrolytes, which may lead to side effects such as muscle cramps and an irregular heartbeat. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a potential side effect of furosemide. Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. A blood pressure reading of 80/40 mm Hg is considerably lower than the normal range, indicating hypotension.
Choice D: Serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L The normal serum potassium levels range from 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L. A serum potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, so the nurse would not need to withhold furosemide for this reason.
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