A 45-year-old woman is being evaluated in the second post thyroidectomy day. The patient reports a new perioral tingling sensation accompanied with a muscle cramp. Vital signs are normal. Blood pressure is 118/78 mm Hg, pulse is 72/min, and respirations are 15/min. Physical examination shows normal muscle strength and deep tendon reflexes. Light tapping anterior to the ear elicits twitching of the lower facial muscles. An increase in which of the following best explains this patient's current symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: During thyroid surgery there is a high risk to make an injury to parathyroid gland. In this patient with a new tingling sensation and muscle cramp will give you a hint that she has a hypocalcemia due to a damage to parathyroid gland and result in decreased calcium and phosphate release from bone and decreased calcium reabsorption by the kidneys.

A 45-Year-Old Woman Is Being Evaluated in the Second Post