Author Question: The nurse is monitoring the client for hypocalcemia. Which of the following are indicative of this ... (Read 53 times)

ericka1 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is monitoring the client for hypocalcemia. Which of the following are indicative of this imbalance? Select all that apply.

1. Muscle cramps
2. Tingling sensations
3. Hyperactive reflexes
4. Severe muscle weakness
5. Irritability
6. Memory impairment

Question 2

The nurse is reinforcing instructions to the mother of a child who has a plaster cast applied to the left arm. Which of the following statements, if made by the mother, indicates a need for further education?

1. I should use a heat lamp to help the cast dry.
2. I should cover the cast with plastic when the child bathes or showers.
3. I should call the physician if the cast feels warm or hot or has an unusual smell or odor.
4. I should keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast and be sure that my child does not put anything inside the cast.

Kdiggy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Rationale: Signs of hypocalcemia include tingling sensations, hyperactive reflexes, and a positive Trousseau or Chvostek sign. Other signs include increased neuromuscular excitability, muscle cramps, tetany, seizures, insomnia, irritability, memory impairment, and anxiety. Severe muscle weakness is seen in hypercalcemia not hypocalcemia.

Answer to Question 2

1

Rationale: The mother needs to be instructed not to use a heat lamp to help the cast dry because of the risk associated with a burn injury from the heat lamp. I should cover the cast with plastic when the child bathes or showers. I should call the physician if the cast feels warm or hot or has an unusual smell or odor. and I should keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast and be sure that my child does not put anything inside the cast. are appropriate instructions.