Nurse Wayne is aware that a positive Chvostek’s sign indicate?
- A- Hypocalcemia
- B- Hyponatremia
- C- Hypokalemia
-
D- Hypermagnesemia
Answer A.
Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the client’s face lightly over the facial nerve, just below the temple. If the client’s facial muscles twitch, it indicates hypocalcemia. Hyponatremia is indicated by weight loss, abdominal cramping, muscle weakness, headache, and postural hypotension. Hypokalemia causes paralytic ileus and muscle weakness. Clients with hypermagnesemia exhibit a loss of deep tendon reflexes, coma, or cardiac arrest.The correct answer is: a- Hypocalcemia
Here's why:
- Chvostek's sign:
This is a physical examination finding that involves twitching of the facial muscles (around the mouth and eyes) when the facial nerve is tapped.
- Hypocalcemia:
This is a condition where the blood calcium level is lower than normal. Low calcium levels affect nerve excitability, and Chvostek's sign is a manifestation of this increased excitability.
- Hyponatremia:
This is a condition where the blood sodium level is lower than normal. While sodium imbalances can affect muscle function, they are not typically associated with Chvostek's sign.
- Hypokalemia:
This is a condition where the blood potassium level is lower than normal. Similar to hyponatremia, potassium imbalances can affect muscle function but not typically cause Chvostek's sign.
Hypermagnesemia: This is a condition where the blood magnesium level is higher than normal. Magnesium can actually decrease nerve excitability, making it less likely to cause a positive Chvostek's sign.
Therefore, Nurse Wayne is aware that a positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, which is an important finding requiring further investigation and potential treatment.
