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The nurse is caring for a child with hypoparathyroidism who exhibits a carpal spasm when pressure is applied to the upper arm. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

A.

Sodium

B.

Calcium

C.

Potassium

D.

Chloride

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Sodium levels are not typically affected by hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism primarily affects calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Choice B rationale
Hypoparathyroidism leads to abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormone, which results in low calcium levels in the blood. A carpal spasm when pressure is applied to the upper arm, also known as Trousseau’s sign, is a common symptom of hypocalcemia.
Choice C rationale
Potassium levels are not typically affected by hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism primarily affects calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Choice D rationale
Chloride levels are not typically affected by hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism primarily affects calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A fecal-fat test is used to measure the body’s ability to break down and absorb fat. It is not used to screen for cystic fibrosis.
Choice B rationale
The sweat-chloride test is the standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. This test measures the amount of chloride, a component of salt, in the sweat. People with cystic fibrosis have two to five times the normal amount of chloride in their sweat.
Choice C rationale
A pulmonary-function test measures how well the lungs are working and can be used to monitor the lung function in people already diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. However, it is not a standard screening test for cystic fibrosis.
Choice D rationale
A potassium chloride test is not used to screen for cystic fibrosis. Potassium chloride is a type of medication used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
When caring for a child in balanced suspension skeletal traction using a Thomas splint and Pearson attachment to the right femur, the most important intervention for the nurse to implement is monitoring peripheral pulses and sensation in the right leg. This is crucial because the traction places tension on the bones, which can result in nerve or vascular damage. Changes in peripheral pulses and sensation can indicate potential complications, such as compromised blood flow or nerve compression, which need immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Choice B rationale
While cleansing pin sites as prescribed is important for infection prevention, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of assessing vascular and neurologic status.
Choice C rationale
Assessing skin for redness and signs of tissue breakdown is important for skin care and preventing pressure ulcers, but it is secondary to monitoring peripheral pulses and sensations when the child is in traction.
Choice D rationale
Changing position every 2 hours is a standard nursing practice to prevent pressure ulcers and provide comfort, but it does not take precedence over monitoring circulation and sensation in the affected limb.

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