A patient with thyroid cancer has undergone surgery and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has been removed. The nurse caring for the patient should prioritize what question when addressing potential complications?
A) "Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?"
B) "Do you feel flushed or sweaty?"
C) "Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?"
D) "Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones?"
Ans: A
Feedback:
As the blood calcium level falls, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and muscle twitching. This is characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Flushing, diaphoresis, dizziness, and pain are atypical signs of the resulting hypocalcemia.
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