The nurse assessing a client hospitalized with a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism notes positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. The nurse determines that these findings most indicate which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypernatremia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Hypernatremia, an elevated sodium level, does not cause Trousseau's or Chvostek's signs.
B. Hypermagnesemia, an elevated magnesium level, is not associated with positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
C. Hypocalcemia, a low calcium level, is commonly associated with positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. Trousseau's sign is a carpopedal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff, while Chvostek's sign is facial twitching in response to tapping over the facial nerve. Both are indicative of neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
D. Hypokalemia, a low potassium level, does not cause these specific signs and is associated with different clinical manifestations.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months, not just after meals, so this statement is not fully accurate.
B. A high A1C indicates chronically high blood glucose levels, not low blood sugar levels, so this statement would be misleading.
C. An A1C of 9% indicates that the client's average blood sugar has been high over the past few months, which increases the risk of diabetes-related complications.
D. While a high A1C may suggest variability in blood glucose levels, the more accurate statement is that the average blood glucose is high, which is what the A1C primarily reflects
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. It is essential to keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest to prevent backflow of fluid into the pleural space, which could lead to complications such as a pneumothorax.
B. Clamping the chest tube is generally not recommended during transport because it can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space, increasing the risk of a tension pneumothorax.
C. Disconnecting the chest tube from the drainage system is not advisable, as this could lead to air entering the pleural space, causing a pneumothorax.
D. Emptying the collection chamber is not necessary prior to transport, and it could lead to inaccurate measurement of fluid output. The focus should be on ensuring that the system remains intact and below chest level during transport.