A patient develops tingling around the mouth and painful hand spasms two days after thyroid surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer: B. Check for hypocalcaemia and notify the prescriber
- A. Encourage the patient to walk in the corridor
- B. Check for hypocalcaemia and notify the prescriber
- C. Offer a high-fibre snack with extra fluids
- D. Place the patient in a warm shower
Explanation
Perioral tingling and carpopedal spasm suggest hypocalcaemia caused by impaired parathyroid function after thyroid surgery. Calcium assessment and prompt reporting are needed because severe hypocalcaemia can progress to laryngospasm or seizures.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing
Covers diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy, hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar states and common thyroid, adrenal and pituitary disorders. It includes blood glucose monitoring, diet, foot care, sick-day management and the clinical differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and between diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state.
Practise Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing
50 free Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this
Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing questions
A patient with diabetes begins propranolol for hypertension. Which teaching point is most important?
Which finding in a patient with diabetes most strongly suggests early diabetic nephropathy?
A relative asks how to help an unconscious person with diabetes who may have severe hypoglycaemia. Which instruction is correct?
Which laboratory pattern is most consistent with primary Addison disease?
A patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion has a sodium level of 118 mEq/L (118 mmol/L), headache and increasing confusion. Which nursing action is the priority?
A nurse is preparing to administer cloudy NPH insulin from a vial. Which action is correct?