Nokea
If a client's parathyroid glands were accidentally removed during a procedure, which condition should the nurse prepare for?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The parathyroid glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. If the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during a procedure, the patient is at risk for developing hypocalcemia due to the lack of parathyroid hormone (PTH) production. PTH helps to maintain normal calcium levels in the blood by stimulating the release of calcium from the bones, increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys. Without PTH, the body's ability to regulate calcium is impaired, leading to low calcium levels, which is known as hypocalcemia. Symptoms of hypocalcemia can include muscle cramps, spasms, and tingling sensations. Nurses should be prepared to monitor for and manage hypocalcemia in a patient who has had their parathyroid glands accidentally removed during a procedure.