The nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia. What action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia?
A) Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone.
B) Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain.
C) Evaluate the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively, noting any drastic changes.
D) Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes.
Ans: D
Feedback: Muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes are signs of hyperirritability of the nervous system due to hypocalcemia. The other options describe complications the nurse should also be observing for; however, tetany and neurologic alterations are primary indications of hypocalcemia.
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