The nurse is using Chvostek sign to assess for hypocalcemia. Which statement correctly describes this test?
Tap the face just below and in front of the ear.
Inflate a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm for 4 minutes.
Apply pressure over the ulnar and radial arteries.
Forcefully dorsiflex the ankle when the knee is in an extended position.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Tap the face just below and in front of the ear: This is the correct technique for eliciting Chvostek’s sign, which involves tapping over the facial nerve. A positive sign (twitching of facial muscles) indicates hypocalcemia.
B. Inflate a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm for 4 minutes: This describes Trousseau’s sign, another test for hypocalcemia, where carpopedal spasm occurs due to ischemia.
C. Apply pressure over the ulnar and radial arteries: This describes Allen’s test, used to assess arterial blood flow, not calcium levels.
D. Forcefully dorsiflex the ankle when the knee is in an extended position: This describes Homan’s sign, which is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), not hypocalcemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 0.9% sodium chloride: Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the standard solution that can be administered with blood products. It is isotonic and does not cause hemolysis or alter the structure of red blood cells.
B. Lactated Ringers solution: Lactated Ringers solution is not used with blood products due to the potential for hemolysis when calcium is present, which can interfere with the clotting cascade and affect blood cell integrity.
C. 5% dextrose/0.2% sodium chloride: Dextrose solutions should not be used with blood components, as they can cause red blood cells to hemolyze, leading to hemolysis and complications in transfusion.
D. 5% dextrose/0.45% sodium chloride: This solution contains dextrose, which can cause red blood cell hemolysis and should not be used with blood products.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Skeletal muscle weakness: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically causes neuromuscular irritability, which manifests as muscle spasms rather than weakness.
B. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically increases neuromuscular irritability and can cause hyperactive reflexes.
C. Tingling of the lips: This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, as low calcium levels can lead to neuromuscular excitability, which can cause sensations like tingling (paresthesia) around the lips and fingers.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypocalcemia typically increases bowel motility, which can lead to hyperactive bowel sounds, not hypoactive bowel sounds.
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