A patient develops an irregular heart rate, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea after a thyroidectomy. Which emergency medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this patient?
a. Furosemide (Lasix)
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Potassium chloride
d. Diazepam (Valium)
ANS: B
B. These are initial signs of hypocalcemia, which can occur with accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. A, C, and D will not raise serum calcium levels.
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