A client has a low serum calcium level. During a bath the nurse cleans the client's face with a cloth, and the lips, nose, and side of the face contract. The nurse documents the presence of
A) Bell's palsy.
B) Chvostek's sign.
C) tic douloureux.
D) Trousseau's sign.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chvostek's sign is spasm of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It is best elicited by tapping the client's face lightly below the temple. Spasm of the face, lip, or nose would indicate a positive test for tetany. Trousseau's sign is carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the arm for 5 minutes. Bell's palsy and tic douloureux are both peripheral nervous system disorders.

A Client Has a Low Serum Calcium Level