A nurse assesses a patient with a serum phosphate level of 2.1 mg/dL.Which assessment findings should a nurse identify as related to an increased serum phosphate level?
A)Constipation, Chvostek's sign, and perioral numbness
B)Positive Trousseau's sign, muscle cramping, and confusion
C)Seizures, prolonged QT interval, and paresthesia
D)Numbness in extremities, convulsions, arrhythmias, tetany, muscle cramps, and muscle twitching

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The assessment findings listed in option D are related to an increased serum phosphate level. Constipation, Chvostek's sign, and perioral numbness (option A) are not specific symptoms of hyperphosphatemia. Positive Trousseau's sign, muscle cramping, and confusion (option B) are more indicative of hypocalcemia. Seizures, prolonged QT interval, and paresthesia (option C) can be associated with hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperkalemia, but are not specific to hyperphosphatemia.

A Nurse Assesses a Patient with a Serum Phosphate Level