Practice Quiz

NCLEX-RN

Category - Physiological

Start a Study Session Sign up for Question of the Day
A client had a thyroidectomy 18 hours ago for the treatment of a toxic multinodular goiter. The nurse should be most concerned if which of the following is observed?
  1. The client flexes his wrist when his blood pressure is obtained.
  2. The client places both hands behind his neck when sitting up in bed.
  3. The client has the following vital signs: blood pressure 135/80, pulse rate 82, respiratory rate 17, and oral temperature of 99°F.
  4. The facial muscles on the right side of the face did not contract after tapping the client’s right cheek.
Explanation
Answer: A - Spontaneous flexing of the wrist when the blood pressure is taken and contraction of facial muscles on tapping of the cheek indicate hypocalcemia. The parathyroid glands located in and near the thyroid gland may be injured or accidentally removed during thyroidectomy, resulting in hypocalcemia and tetany.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details
Start a Study Session Sign up for Question of the Day

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz