The nurse caring for a patient who had a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer is aware that occasionally during thyroid surgery the parathyroid glands are injured or removed
What laboratory finding may be an early indication of parathyroid gland injury or removal?
A) Hyponatremia
B) Hypophosphatemia
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypokalemia
Ans: C
Feedback: Injury or removal of the parathyroid glands may produce a disturbance in calcium metabolism and result in a decline in calcium levels (hypocalcemia). As the blood calcium levels fall, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and muscle twitching. This group of symptoms is known as tetany and must be reported to the physician immediately, as laryngospasm may occur and obstruct the airway. Hypophosphatemia, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia are not an expected response to parathyroid injury or removal. In fact, parathyroid removal or injury that results in hypocalcemia may lead to hyperphosphatemia.
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A student nurse asks the faculty why a child with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which response by the faculty is the most appropriate?
A. Decreases venous stasis, lowering risks of clotting B. Inhibits prostaglandin, which helps close the PDA C. Provides long-lasting pain and inflammation control D. Reduces swelling around the PDA, making surgery easier
A surgeon is explaining to the parents of a 6-year-old boy the rationale for the suggestion of removing the boy's spleen. Which of the following teaching points would be most accurate?
A) "Ferritin is the activated and usable form of iron that your red blood cells can use to transport oxygen." B) "Ferritin is a stored form of iron that indirectly shows me whether you would benefit from iron pills." C) "Ferritin is a protein-iron complex that allows your red blood cells to make use of the iron that you consume in your diet." D) "Ferritin is the form of iron that is transported in your blood plasma to red blood cells that need it."
During a synapse, what change occurs after the neurotransmitter binds to the receptor?
a. The permeability of the presynaptic neuron changes; consequently, its membrane potential is changed as well. b. The permeability of the postsynaptic neuron changes; consequently, its membrane potential is changed as well. c. The postsynaptic cell prevents any change in permeability and destroys the action potential. d. The presynaptic cell synthesizes and secretes additional neurotransmitters
When replacing lost volume with crystalloids, it is important to remember that:
A. one mL should be given for every 3 mL of estimated blood loss. B. crystalloids do not have the capacity of carrying oxygen. C. one-third of the fluid will leave the vascular spaces within an hour. D. giving too little fluid may interfere with the process of hemostasis.