A patient has undergone a thyroidectomy in which his parathyroid glands were also inadvertently removed. The patient's morning blood work reveals a serum calcium level of 3.1 mg/dL (normal 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL)
The nurse should consequently assess this patient's A) muscle tone.
B) level of consciousness.
C) respiratory rhythm.
D) respiratory rate.
A
Feedback:
Low calcium levels can result in tetany. Decreased LOC and altered respiratory function are not characteristic of hypocalcemia.
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