The nurse's neighbor says, "My son has been waking up with bad cramps in his calf for the last two nights. He has been working out with his football team, and it has been so hot."
Which additional statement would indicate to the nurse that the neighbor needs more information concerning muscle spasms?
1. "I have my son take a multivitamin every day to help replenish calcium and other minerals."
2. "I think I will give him one of my muscle relaxers before practice today."
3. "I've told my son to point his toes upward and gently massage the calf muscle."
4. "I send three 64-ounce bottles of Gatorade and water with my son to practice every day."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Hypocalcemia can be a cause of muscle spasms.
Rationale 2: Muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness and would be inappropriate in this situation. Sharing prescription medications is not a good idea.
Rationale 3: Gentle massage is therapeutic for muscle spasms.
Rationale 4: Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration can cause muscles to spasm, so providing plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement fluids such as Gatorade would help prevent cramps.
Global Rationale: Muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness and would be inappropriate in this situation. Sharing prescription medications is not a good idea. Hypocalcemia can be a cause of muscle spasms. Gentle massage is therapeutic for muscle spasms. Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration can cause muscles to spasm, so providing plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement fluids such as Gatorade would help prevent cramps.
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