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 ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Purple striae (stretch marks) are common in Cushing's syndrome due to skin thinning and the redistribution of fat.
B. A "moon face" is a classic sign of Cushing's syndrome, caused by fat deposition in the face.
C. Bronze pigmentation is associated with Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome.
D. A "buffalo hump," or fat accumulation on the upper back, is another characteristic feature of Cushing's syndrome.
E. Poor wound healing is expected in Cushing's syndrome due to the effects of prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, which impair immune function and tissue repair.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Discomfort at the puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis and typically managed with analgesics.
B. A decreased temperature is not a common complication of thoracentesis and might indicate other issues, but it is not immediately alarming.
C. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) could be a sign of a pneumothorax, hemorrhage, or other serious complications following thoracentesis. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. Serosanguineous drainage is expected to some extent, but it should be monitored for changes that might indicate a complication such as infection or continued bleeding.