Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Full-length
The nurse is monitoring a client diagnosed with hypercalcemia. Which assessment finding indicates a need for follow-up?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The client with hypercalcemia is at risk for formation of blood clots. Clotting is more likely to occur in the lower legs, pelvic region, and areas where blood flow is blocked (causing constriction). The nurse should assess for impaired blood flow by measuring calf circumference with a soft tape measure and assess temperature, color, and capillary refill. Decreased capillary refill may be indicative of a clot. The client with hypercalcemia may also exhibit decreased peristalsis, decreased deep tendon reflexes, altered level of consciousness, hypoactive or absent bowel sounds, or increased abdominal circumference as a result of decreased peristalsis.