Author Question: The nurse is caring for a child after a parathyroidectomy. What medication should the nurse have ... (Read 21 times)

jwb375 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The nurse is caring for a child after a parathyroidectomy. What medication should the nurse have available if hypocalcemia occurs?

a. Insulin
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
d. Cortisone (hydrocortisone)

Question 2

The nurse is taking care of a child who had a thyroidectomy. The nurse recognizes what as a positive Chvostek sign?

a. Paresthesia occurring in feet and toes
b. Frequent sharp flexion of wrist and ankle joints
c. Carpal spasm elicited by pressure applied to the nerves of the upper arm
d. Facial muscle spasm elicited by tapping the facial nerve in the region of the parotid gland

joshbk44 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Because hypocalcemia is a potential complication after a parathyroidectomy, observing for signs of tetany, instituting seizure precautions, and having calcium gluconate available for emergency use are part of the nursing care.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A positive Chvostek sign is a facial muscle spasm that is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in the region of the parotid gland. Paresthesia occurring in the feet and toes and frequent sharp flexion of the wrist and ankle joints can be signs of hypoparathyroidism but are not part of a positive Chvostek sign. Carpal spasm elicited by pressure applied to nerves of the upper arm is called a positive Trousseau sign.