When a patient who is 8 hours postoperative from a total thyroidectomy shows a positive Chvostek's sign and complains of muscle cramps, the nurse interprets these assessments as indicative of:
imminent convulsion
hypoparathyroidism
hyperkalemia
thyroid storm
The Correct Answer is B
A. Imminent convulsion: While Chvostek's sign can be associated with tetany or severe hypocalcemia, it is not directly indicative of imminent convulsions. The signs are more suggestive of a calcium imbalance rather than seizures.
B. Hypoparathyroidism: After a total thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be inadvertently damaged or removed, leading to hypoparathyroidism. This condition causes hypocalcemia, which can manifest as muscle cramps and a positive Chvostek's sign.
C. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can cause muscle weakness, but it does not cause a positive Chvostek's sign. The symptoms described are more specific to hypocalcemia due to potential damage to the parathyroid glands.
D. Thyroid storm: Thyroid storm is a rare, life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by fever, tachycardia, and altered mental status, but it does not typically cause Chvostek's sign or muscle cramps.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Extreme thirst and excessive urination: These are signs of hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not an insulin overdose. Insulin overdose typically causes hypoglycemia, not elevated blood sugar, which presents differently.
B. Abdominal pain and nausea: Abdominal pain and nausea are more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or gastroparesis rather than an insulin overdose. These symptoms are not the typical early signs of hypoglycemia caused by too much insulin.
C. Dyspnea, pallor, and ketones in the urine: These are also symptoms associated with DKA, which is a complication of insulin deficiency, not an insulin overdose. In DKA, blood sugar is high, not low, and ketones are present in the urine.
D. Perspiration and a trembling sensation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from an insulin overdose often leads to symptoms like sweating, trembling, shakiness, and dizziness. These are early warning signs that the blood glucose is too low and insulin needs adjustment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by weight loss, insomnia, increased heart rate, irritability, and tremors, which are the opposite of the signs described in this case. Lethargy and excessive sleep are more typical of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.
B. Tay-Sachs disease: Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, leading to developmental regression and symptoms like muscle weakness, loss of motor skills, and seizures. It does not typically present with lethargy and excessive sleep.
C. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1 diabetes typically presents with symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and fatigue. While fatigue is common in type 1 diabetes, lethargy and excessive sleep, especially in a 4-month-old, are not indicative of it.
D. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism in infants can cause symptoms like lethargy, excessive sleep, snoring, poor feeding, and weight gain. It is a common condition in infants and can result in delayed development if left untreated.
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