Fluid, Electrolytes, and Parenteral Solutions
Trousseau's sign
Pronunciation
(troo-s
z s
n)
Definitions
A carpopedal attitude of the hand elicited when the blood supply to the hand is decreased or the nerves of the hand are stimulated by pressure; elicited within several minutes by applying a blood pressure cuff inflated above systolic pressure. Positive Trousseau's indicates hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia.
Application
The student nurse taking the postoperative thyroidectomy patient's vital signs noted a carpopedal attitude of the hand and fingers when the blood pressure pump was inflated. She reported this to the instructor who explained the need to report this Trousseau's sign to the physician.
Keep in Mind
To elicit a Trousseau's sign, use a blood pressure cuff and place it on the arm, inflate the cuff to 10 mm/Hg for 3 minutes, and observe for carpopedal spasm.
*NOTE: Refer to Bonus Chvostek's Sign and Trousseau's Sign for picture of Trousseau's sign.