A postoperative thyroidectomy patient complains of tingling around the mouth and fingers. Chvostek sign is positive. Which immediate electrolyte deficiency should the nurse suspect?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Acute hypocalcemia
Answer: Acute hypocalcemia.
Why not the others: Severe hypokalemia manifests with muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias rather than neuromuscular tetany; severe hypophosphatemia causes respiratory muscle weakness and rhabdomyolysis; acute hyponatremia presents with headache, confusion, and cerebral edema rather than latent tetany signs.
Why not the others: Severe hypokalemia manifests with muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias rather than neuromuscular tetany; severe hypophosphatemia causes respiratory muscle weakness and rhabdomyolysis; acute hyponatremia presents with headache, confusion, and cerebral edema rather than latent tetany signs.
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