83. A nurse should assess for hypercalcemia by checking a client for:
Test-Taking Tip
Eliminate the options that are clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia (Answers 1 and 2) and the option that is not manifested by the electrolyte imbalance (Answer 4) noted in the stem of this question.
Content Area: Adult Health, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Comprehension; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
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Answer 1 is incorrect because this is seen with tetany (hypocalcemia). Answer 2 is incorrect because this occurs from ischemia-induced carpal spasm from hypocalcemia. Answer 3 is correct because hypercalcemia reduces neuromuscular excitability, resulting in muscle weakness and hyporeflexia. Answer 4 is incorrect because the Babinski reflex is a test of upper motor neuron function.
