23. What observation should indicate to a nurse that the therapeutic effect of calcium gluconate has been achieved?
23. What observation should indicate to a nurse that the therapeutic effect of calcium gluconate has been achieved?
. Thyroid gland shrinks.
. Blood loss is curtailed during surgery.
. Trousseau's sign is absent.
. Chvostek's sign is positive.
Test-Taking Tip
Know why calcium gluconate is given—for low calcium, which causes tetany as evidenced by Trousseau's sign.
Content Area: Adult Health, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Evaluation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
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Answer 1 is incorrect because calcium therapy is indicated for hypocalcemia, not hyperthyroidism. Answer 2 is incorrect because calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia, not blood loss. Answer 3 is correct because Trousseau's sign is present with hypocalcemia. The carpal spasm will not occur if treatment has been effective. Answer 4 is incorrect because Chvostek's sign, the twitching of facial muscles when tapped, indicates hypocalcemia.