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 B
Explanation
A. Peripheral pulses +1: Weak peripheral pulses indicate continued hypovolemia or dehydration. Effectiveness would be reflected in stronger pulses.
B. Urine output 200 mL/4 hr: Adequate urine output (≥30 mL/hr) indicates improved kidney perfusion and hydration status, suggesting effective treatment.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.04: This value is elevated, indicating continued dehydration; effective hydration would reduce this value to the normal range of 1.005-1.030.
D. Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia is a compensatory response to dehydration. Improvement would manifest as a normalized heart rate (60-100 bpm).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevated blood pressure: Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause low blood pressure due to its effect on vascular tone and cardiac contractility, not elevated blood pressure.
B. Negative Chvostek sign: A negative Chvostek sign would be expected in clients with normal calcium levels. A positive Chvostek sign (twitching of the facial muscles when tapped) is a sign of hypocalcemia.
C. Constipation: Hypocalcemia does not typically cause constipation. In fact, hypercalcemia can lead to constipation.
D. Tetany: Tetany, which involves muscle cramps and spasms, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. It occurs due to increased neuromuscular excitability when calcium levels are low.
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