Following a thyroidectomy, a patient complains of a tingling ...

[lbcchick]

Following a thyroidectomy, a patient complains of a tingling feeling around my mouth. Which assessment should the nurse complete immediately?
 
  a. Presence of the Chvostek's sign
  b. Abnormal serum potassium level
  c. Decreased thyroid hormone level
  d. Bleeding on the patient's dressing

Question 2

A patient has a serum calcium level of 7.0 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
 
  a. The patient is experiencing laryngeal stridor.
  b. The patient complains of generalized fatigue.
  c. The patient's bowels have not moved for 4 days.
  d. The patient has numbness and tingling of the lips.

[alexanderhamilton]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient's symptoms indicate possible hypocalcemia, which can occur secondary to parathyroid injury/removal during thyroidectomy. There is no indication of a need to check the potassium level, the thyroid hormone level, or for bleeding.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Hypocalcemia can cause laryngeal stridor, which may lead to respiratory arrest. Rapid action is required to correct the patient's calcium level. The other data are also consistent with hypocalcemia, but do not indicate a need for as immediate action as laryngospasm.