In which patient will the nurse expect to see a positive Chvostek's sign?
A 50-year-old patient admitted for an acute exacerbation of hyperparathyroidism
A 7-year-old child admitted for severe burns
A 24-year-old admitted for chronic alcohol abuse
A 75-year-old patient admitted for a broken hip related to osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Hyperparathyroidism typically causes hypercalcemia, which would not result in a positive Chvostek’s sign.
B. Severe burns can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hypocalcemia, but it's less specific than option C.
C. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which are known causes of a positive Chvostek’s sign, a clinical sign of neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
D. Osteoporosis may be related to chronic calcium deficiency, but it does not directly cause the acute hypocalcemia needed to produce a positive Chvostek’s sign.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hyporeflexia is not a typical finding in hyponatremia; neuromuscular symptoms like muscle cramps and weakness are more common.
B. Constipation is more often associated with hypercalcemia or dehydration, not hyponatremia.
C. Headache is a common early sign of hyponatremia due to cerebral edema from water shifting into brain cells.
D. Increased appetite is not associated with hyponatremia; nausea and anorexia are more likely.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increased urine output: Mr. Allen's urine output is actually low (600 mL/24 hrs), and his urine is dark and concentrated, suggesting dehydration, not excessive urinary losses.
B. Loss of gastric secretions: Continuous suction via the nasogastric (NG) tube removes gastric fluids, which are rich in potassium, chloride, hydrogen ions, and magnesium. This is the main reason for his observed hypokalemia (K = 2.9), hypochloremia (Cl = 94), and low magnesium (Mg = 1.2).
C. Decreased oral intake: While Mr. Allen is NPO, reduced intake alone is not sufficient to cause such significant electrolyte imbalances in a short period. The active loss of electrolytes through NG suction is the primary contributor.
D. Fever is not mentioned in the scenario. Fever can lead to insensible fluid losses, but this is not relevant here and not the primary mechanism of electrolyte depletion.
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