A female client with a history of chronic renal failure has a total serum calcium level of 7.9 mg/dL. While performing an assessment, the nurse should focus on which of the following clinical manifestations associated with this calcium level?
A) Complaints of shortness of breath on exertion with decreased oxygen saturation levels
B) Difficulty arousing the client and noticing she is disoriented to time and place
C) Heart rate of 120 beats/minute associated with diaphoresis (sweaty)
D) Intermittent muscle spasms and complaints of numbness around her mouth
Ans: D
Feedback:
Spasms and numbness are characteristic of hypocalcemia. Respiratory effects, tachycardia, and diaphoresis are not associated with low calcium levels, whereas decreased level of consciousness can be indicative of hypercalcemia.
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