When assessing a client who had a thyroidectomy yesterday, which cue would the nurse associate with an initial sign of hypocalcemia?

When assessing a client who had a thyroidectomy yesterday, which cue would the nurse associate with an initial sign of hypocalcemia?

• A. Paresthesias
• B. Tetany
• C. Spasm
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

After thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed, reducing PTH and lowering calcium levels. Low calcium makes nerve membranes more excitable, so sensory changes appear first. The earliest cue is paresthesias—tingling or numbness around the mouth and in the fingers or toes. If calcium continues to fall, muscles become more irritable and tetany can develop, with involuntary muscle contractions and carpopedal spasms. Signs like nausea are not specific early indicators. So the initial, best cue to watch for is paresthesias.

After thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged or removed, reducing PTH and lowering calcium levels. Low calcium makes nerve membranes more excitable, so sensory changes appear first. The earliest cue is paresthesias—tingling or numbness around the mouth and in the fingers or toes. If calcium continues to fall, muscles become more irritable and tetany can develop, with involuntary muscle contractions and carpopedal spasms. Signs like nausea are not specific early indicators. So the initial, best cue to watch for is paresthesias.