Editing Anatomy and Physiology – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 12==
A licensed practical nurse is collecting data on a patient with a serum calcium level reported as low. Which findings would the nurse expect to observe? '''Select all that apply.'''
# Tingling around the mouth and in the fingertips.
# Muscle twitching or cramping.
# Lethargy and constipation.
# Positive Trousseau sign when the blood pressure cuff is inflated.
# Deep, slow, easy respirations.

'''Answer:''' 1, 2, and 4 (A, B, D).

''Rationale:'' Calcium helps stabilize nerve and muscle cell membranes. When the calcium level falls, nerves and muscles become overly excitable, producing perioral and fingertip tingling, muscle twitching and cramping, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs. The most dangerous consequence is laryngospasm, so any hoarseness, stridor, or difficulty breathing is reported immediately. Option 3 describes the sluggish picture of a '''high''' calcium level, in which nerves and muscles become less excitable. Option 5 is not a feature of hypocalcemia. The normal total serum calcium range in adults is about 9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL.