While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient demonstrates a spasm of the lips and face. Which laboratory value corresponds with the nurse's assessment findings?
a. Potassium of 3.4 mEq/L
b. Calcium of 7.9 mg/dL
c. Sodium of 140 mEq/L
d. Phosphorus of 2.8 mg/dL
B
Chvostek sign is a signal of hypocalcemia. It occurs when the facial nerve is tapped or stroked about an inch in front of the earlobe and results in unilateral twitching of the face. Hypocalcemia occurs when the calcium level drops below 8.4 . A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L and a sodium level of 140 mEq/L are findings within normal limits. A patient in renal failure is most likely to have a high phosphorus level rather than a low phosphorus level, and 2.8 mg/dL is within the range consistent with hypophosphatemia.
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