A patient with thyroid cancer undergoes a thyroidectomy. After surgery, the patient develops peripheral numbness and tingling and muscle twitching and spasms. The nurse should expect to administer:
A) A thyroid supplement
B) An antispasmodic
C) A barbiturate
D) IV calcium gluconate
Ans: D
Feedback: Removal of the thyroid gland can cause hyposecretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to calcium deficiency. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling. Treatment includes immediate IV administration of calcium gluconate. Thyroid supplementation (option A) is necessary following thyroidectomy but isn't specifically related to the identified problem. An antispasmodic (option B) doesn't treat the problem. A barbiturate (option C) isn't indicated.
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