The nurse is caring for client who has had partial removal the parathyroid gland. The client reports numbness and tingling of the hands and fingers. Which lab value would the nurse expect to see?
Chloride 112
Calcium 7.5
Potassium 4.0
Calcium 12.1
The Correct Answer is B
A) Chloride 112:
Chloride levels are typically not directly associated with numbness or tingling of the hands and fingers. Elevated chloride levels (greater than 108 mEq/L) may indicate metabolic acidosis, but they would not directly explain the symptoms seen in this client following parathyroidectomy. Therefore, this value is unlikely to be relevant in this scenario.
B) Calcium 7.5:
After the partial removal of the parathyroid glands, the client may experience hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, due to the reduced production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. When the parathyroid glands are removed or damaged, there may be insufficient PTH to maintain normal calcium levels, leading to hypocalcemia. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and fingers. A calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5–10.5 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia, which is consistent with the patient's symptoms.
C) Potassium 4.0:
A potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not typically cause numbness or tingling. Although potassium imbalances can cause neuromuscular symptoms, they would not be the most likely cause of the symptoms in this case, especially in relation to parathyroidectomy.
D) Calcium 12.1:
A calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL is elevated and would suggest hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and weakness, but it does not typically cause numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Elevated calcium levels are more likely to occur in conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy, not typically following parathyroid gland removal. Therefore, this is not the expected lab result in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) They bend at the ho when lifting:
This statement seems to be a typographical error, but it likely refers to "bending at the hips" when lifting. While bending at the hips can help reduce strain on the back, it is not the ideal body mechanic for lifting heavy objects. Proper lifting techniques involve bending at the knees, not the hips, to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury to the lower back. The correct form would be to squat down using the legs and keeping the back straight.
B) They keep their feet together when lifting an object:
Keeping the feet together when lifting an object is not advisable. The nurse should keep their feet shoulder-width apart for stability when lifting heavy objects. This wide stance provides a stable base and helps prevent loss of balance or strain during the lift. Keeping feet together would increase the risk of losing balance and possibly causing injury.
C) They stand close to the object being moved:
Standing close to the object being moved is the correct body mechanic. When lifting, the nurse should position themselves close to the object to minimize the leverage needed to lift it. By maintaining a short distance from the object, the nurse can use their legs to lift rather than relying on their back, which helps reduce the risk of back strain or injury.
D) They twist their spine when lifting:
Twisting the spine when lifting is a dangerous action that increases the risk of back injury. Proper body mechanics require that the nurse keep the back straight and avoid twisting the spine during the lift. Instead, they should rotate their whole body, moving their feet to turn, rather than twisting the spine. Twisting puts unnecessary stress on the spinal discs and can lead to muscle strain or injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Researcher:
The nurse is gathering evidence-based practice (EBP) on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), which involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and reviewing existing studies or guidelines to inform clinical practice. This is the role of the researcher in EBP. Nurses in this role contribute to improving patient outcomes by identifying best practices, assessing existing evidence, and implementing findings to reduce complications, such as CAUTIs.
B) Nurse manager:
While a nurse manager may oversee quality improvement projects, staffing, and other operational aspects of nursing care, they are not typically the ones actively gathering evidence-based data themselves. Nurse managers may utilize the findings from research but are not directly involved in the research process unless leading specific studies.
C) Case manager:
A case manager primarily coordinates care for individual patients, ensuring they receive the appropriate resources and follow-up care. They help manage the continuity of care across different settings but do not focus on gathering or researching evidence for clinical practices. Their role is more focused on patient outcomes and care delivery rather than generating evidence.
D) Educator:
While an educator might be involved in teaching staff or patients about preventing CAUTI, the role described in the question specifically refers to gathering evidence-based practice information. Educators may use research findings in their teaching, but gathering evidence is a distinct activity that fits the role of the researcher in EBP.
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