Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid? Base Imbalances Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid? Base Imbalances related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client's reflexes. Which condition does the nurse need to confirm when tapping the facial nerve of a client who has dysphagia?

  • A. Hypervolemia
  • B. Hypercalcemia
  • C. Hypomagnesemia
  • D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If there is a unilateral spasm of facial muscles when the nurse taps over the facial muscle, it is known as Chvostek's sign, which is a sign of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. The additional symptom of dysphagia reinforces the possibility of hypomagnesemia rather than hypocalcemia. A positive Chvostek's sign does not apply to hypercalcemia, hypervolemia, or hypermagnesemia.