You are the surgical nurse caring for a 65-year-old female patient who is postoperative day 1 following a thyroidectomy
During your shift assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. She tells you that she has an intermittent spasm in her wrist and hand and she exhibits increased muscle tone. What electrolyte imbalance should you first suspect?
A) Hypophosphatemia
B) Hypocalcemia
C) Hypermagnesemia
D) Hyperkalemia
Ans: B
Feedback:
Tetany is the most characteristic manifestation of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Sensations of tingling may occur in the tips of the fingers, around the mouth, and, less commonly, in the feet. Hypophosphatemia creates central nervous dysfunction, resulting in seizures and coma. Hypermagnesemia creates hypoactive reflexes and somnolence. Signs of hyperkalemia include paresthesias and anxiety.
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