Following a thyroidectomy, a patient develops carpal spasm while the nurse is taking a blood pressure on the left arm. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carpal spasm after a thyroidectomy suggests that the patient has hypocalcaemia caused by damage to the parathyroid glands. The symptoms of hypocalcemia will be temporarily reduced by having the patient breath into a paper bag, which will raise the PaCO₂ and create a more acidic pH. The muscle relaxant will not impact on ionized calcium level. There is no indication that the patient is experiencing laryngeal stridor or needs oxygen. IV calcium supplements will be given to normalize calcium level quickly.

Following a Thyroidectomy, a Patient Develops Carpal Spasm While the Nurse