A 30-year-old diagnosed with Graves disease is admitted to a hospital unit for the surgical re-moval of the thyroid gland. During the postoperative period, the nurse notes that the patient's serum calcium is low

The nurse should observe the patient for which of the following signs/symptoms?
a. Muscle weakness and constipation
b. Laryngeal spasms and hyperreflexia
c. Abdominal pain and fever
d. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting


ANS: B
Symptoms of low calcium are associated with tetany, a condition characterized by muscle spasms, hyperreflexia, tonic-clonic convulsions, and laryngeal spasms. Symptoms of low calcium are not associated with muscle weakness, constipation, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, or vomiting.

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A 65-year-old man presented with a 1 x 1 cm mass in the floor of his mouth with no associated cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. The 5-year survival rate for someone treated with this condition would be approximately:

a. 0% b. 25% c. 50% d. 75% e. 100%

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Auscultation involves use of a(n):

a. otoscope b. stethoscope c. laparoscope d. bronchoscope

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What type of brain damage is a leading cause of death in individuals under the age of 24, what is a major factor in its cause, and how can it be prevented?

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Furuncle of the right lower leg is reported with code ____.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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