A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypoparathyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A.
Negative Chvostek’s sign
B.
Flaccid muscles
C.
Numbness of the hands
D.
Hypercalcemia
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Numbness of the hands.
Explanation:
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands. This hormone is crucial for regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. When PTH levels are low, the body struggles to maintain normal calcium levels, leading to several clinical manifestations.
Numbness of the hands is a common symptom associated with hypoparathyroidism. The primary consequence of hypoparathyroidism is hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood). Calcium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function. When calcium levels drop, it can lead to neuromuscular irritability, which presents as symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle cramps, particularly in the hands and feet. This phenomenon is known as paresthesia.
Other options:
- A. Negative Chvostek’s sign: This is not correct. In hypoparathyroidism, Chvostek’s sign (tapping the facial nerve to induce facial twitching) is often positive. A positive Chvostek’s sign indicates hypocalcemia and increased neuromuscular excitability.
- B. Flaccid muscles: This is not characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Instead, hypoparathyroidism typically leads to increased muscle tone and cramps due to low calcium levels.
- D. Hypercalcemia: This is incorrect because hypoparathyroidism leads to hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. The low levels of PTH result in decreased calcium levels in the blood, not increased.
Therefore, numbness of the hands aligns with the clinical presentation of hypoparathyroidism due to the low calcium levels causing nerve irritation.