Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
The nurse is assessing a client who exhibits positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. What laboratory value would validate these clinical findings? A serum:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Calcium 6.9 mg/dL. Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are indicative of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels can cause neuromuscular irritability leading to these signs. Therefore, a low serum calcium level would validate these clinical findings.
A: Potassium level is within the normal range and not directly related to Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
B: Phosphate level is not typically associated with these signs.
C: Magnesium level is low, but Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are specifically linked to calcium levels.
Summary: The correct answer is D because low calcium levels validate Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. Other choices are not directly related to these clinical findings.
A: Potassium level is within the normal range and not directly related to Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
B: Phosphate level is not typically associated with these signs.
C: Magnesium level is low, but Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are specifically linked to calcium levels.
Summary: The correct answer is D because low calcium levels validate Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. Other choices are not directly related to these clinical findings.