Electrolytes
Electrolytes ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle weakness is not a typical symptom of hypocalcemia. Muscle weakness can be caused by many other conditions, such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or muscle injury. Hypocalcemia usually causes muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the back and legs.
Constipation is not a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Constipation can be caused by many other factors, such as diet, medication, or lack of physical activity. Hypocalcemia usually affects the nervous system and the muscles, not the digestive system.
Facial twitching is a characteristic symptom of hypocalcemia. Facial twitching is also known as Chvostek's sign, which is a test to diagnose hypocalcemia. It involves tapping the facial nerve near the ear and observing if the facial muscles contract involuntarily. Facial twitching occurs because hypocalcemia makes the nerves and muscles more excitable and sensitive to stimulation.
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypocalcemia. Decreased deep tendon reflexes can be caused by many other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, or hypothyroidism. Hypocalcemia usually causes increased deep tendon reflexes, which is also known as Trousseau's sign. It involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm and observing if the hand and fingers curl inward. This happens because hypocalcemia reduces the threshold for nerve and muscle activation.
Choice A reason:
Muscle weakness is not a typical symptom of hypocalcemia. Muscle weakness can be caused by many other conditions, such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or muscle injury. Hypocalcemia usually causes muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the back and legs.
Choice B reason:
Constipation is not a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Constipation can be caused by many other factors, such as diet, medication, or lack of physical activity. Hypocalcemia usually affects the nervous system and the muscles, not the digestive system.
Choice C reason:
Facial twitching is a characteristic symptom of hypocalcemia. Facial twitching is also known as Chvostek's sign, which is a test to diagnose hypocalcemia. It involves tapping the facial nerve near the ear and observing if the facial muscles contract involuntarily. Facial twitching occurs because hypocalcemia makes the nerves and muscles more excitable and sensitive to stimulation.
Choice D reason:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypocalcemia. Decreased deep tendon reflexes can be caused by many other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, or hypothyroidism. Hypocalcemia usually causes increased deep tendon reflexes, which is also known as Trousseau's sign. It involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm and observing if the hand and fingers curl inward. This happens because hypocalcemia reduces the threshold for nerve and muscle activation.