A patient has a serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL. Which symptom would the nurse expect to find during assessment?
Muscle weakness.
Chvostek's sign.
Constipation.
Hypertension.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Muscle weakness: This is more common in hypercalcemia or hypokalemia.
B. Chvostek's sign: A serum calcium of 7.5 mg/dL is low (normal is 9–10.5 mg/dL). Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability. Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) is a classic finding.
C. Constipation: Constipation is a sign of hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia often causes increased GI motility (diarrhea).
D. Hypertension: Hypocalcemia is more likely to be associated with hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypercalcemia: Most diuretics (especially loops) cause calcium loss, not gain (though thiazides can decrease calcium excretion).
B. Hypokalemia: Loop diuretics and thiazides increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, which is a common and dangerous side effect.
C. Hyponatremia: While diuretics can lower sodium, potassium loss (hypokalemia) is the most frequently monitored and classic complication cited in nursing exams for general "diuretic therapy."
D. Hypermagnesemia: Diuretics typically cause the loss of magnesium, leading to hypomagnesemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Muscle weakness: This is more common in hypercalcemia or hypokalemia.
B. Chvostek's sign: A serum calcium of 7.5 mg/dL is low (normal is 9–10.5 mg/dL). Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability. Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) is a classic finding.
C. Constipation: Constipation is a sign of hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia often causes increased GI motility (diarrhea).
D. Hypertension: Hypocalcemia is more likely to be associated with hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.
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