Question

The nurse notes that a client's total serum calcium level is 6.0 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L). Which assessment findings should be anticipated in this client? Select all that apply.

1. Tetany

2. Constipation

3. Renal calculi

4. Hypotension

5. Prolonged QT interval

6. Positive Chvostek's sign

Answer 1

Here patientis suffering from HYPOKALAEMIA (POTASSIUM - 6.0 mg/dl)

Ans - Following findings can be anticipated

1) Tetany

5) QT intervsl prolongation

6) Positive Chvostek's sign

Explanation -

Hypocalcaemia is characterised by low calcium levels in the blood.

Normal range is 8.8–10.7 mg/dl

Less than 8.8mg/dl is defined as hypocalcemia.

Common causes are hypoparathyroidism , vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure, pancreatitis, tumor lysis syndrome

Clinical features - Early sign us Perioral numbness and paresthesias. Later on it manifest as Carpopedal spasm and generalized tetany. Trousseau sign is seen which is carpal spasm by inflating the blood pressure cuff and maintaining the cuff pressure above systolic, Chvostek's sign which is tapping of the inferior portion of the cheekbone produces facial spasms. Danger signs are arrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest.

Treatment - slow calcium infusion iv