When caring for a patient with hypocalcemia, which symptom should the nurse closely observe?
Muscle twitching
Low serum calcium increases the excitability of nerves and muscles (neuromuscular irritability).
This produces muscle twitching, cramps, tetany, tingling around the mouth and fingers, and positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs; severe cases can have seizures, laryngospasm and arrhythmias.
Slow pulse, dry skin and excessive thirst are not typical features of hypocalcemia (excessive thirst suggests hypercalcemia or hyperglycemia).
Hence, Muscle twitching.
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Important Questions from Medical-Surgical Nursing
In a patient with a normal temperature and pulse but low blood pressure, which clinical condition should be considered first?
A patient with a peptic ulcer is prescribed a proton pump inhibitor and advised to avoid NSAIDs. Which rationale best explains this combined approach?
A post operative patient is receiving dextrose 5% and 0.45 normal saline at 160 ml/hour. The nurse notices puffiness, weight gain of 2 kg and hypotension with complaints of muscle cramps and confusion. The serum sodium level is 126 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most likely cause of these findings?
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A patient arrives with severe burns. After ensuring a patent airway, what is the next step in the emergency management?
