Which assessment finding would the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L,potassium 4.5 mEq/L,calcium 4.5 mg/dL?
A) Lightheadedness when standing up
B) Weak quadriceps muscles
C) Tingling of the extremities and tetany
D) Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient has hypocalcemia because the normal calcium range is 8.4 to 10.5 mg/dL.Sodium and potassium values are within their normal ranges: sodium 135 to 145 mEq/L; potassium 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Hypocalcemia causes muscle tetany,positive Trousseau's sign,and tingling of the extremities.Lightheadedness when standing up is a manifestation of ECV deficit or sometimes hypokalemia.Weak quadriceps muscles are associated with potassium imbalances.Decreased deep tendon reflexes are related to hypercalcemia or hypermagnesemia.

Which Assessment Finding Would the Nurse Expect for a Patient