While assessing a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse taps the client's facial nerve and observes twitching of the mouth and tightening of the jaw. The nurse would document this finding as which of the following?
A) Positive Trousseau's sign
B) Positive Chvostek's sign
C) Hyperactive deep tendon reflex
D) Tetany

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The twitching of the mouth and tightening of the jaw in response to facial nerve tapping is a positive Chvostek's sign, which is an indication of hypocalcemia commonly seen in clients with hypoparathyroidism. Positive Trousseau's sign is demonstrated by carpal spasm elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure and is also indicative of hypocalcemia. Hyperactive deep tendon reflex and tetany may also be seen in clients with hypoparathyroidism, but they are not specific to this condition and can occur in other neurological or neuromuscular disorders.

While Assessing a Client with Hypoparathyroidism, the Nurse Taps the Client's