46. A client with acute pancreatitis reports numbness with circumoral tingling and muscle cramps. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
46. A client with acute pancreatitis reports numbness with circumoral tingling and muscle cramps. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
. Assess for hypocalcemia.
. Request an order for a serum sodium test.
. Assess for hypoglycemia.
. Check the chart for a current dose of furosemide (Lasix).
Test-Taking Tip
Narrow the choice to the two assessment options, and select the one that relates to the symptoms in the stem. Choose the answer that addresses both complaints. If unsure, use the process of elimination. Muscle cramps do not occur with hypoglycemia; Answers 2 and 4 are vague and do not relate to circumoral tingling.
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
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Answer 1 is correct because calcium is lost in the fat necrosis, and saponification (formation of calcium soap) may occur. Circumoral tingling and muscle cramps are early signs of hypocalcemia. Assess for signs of tetany by checking Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs. Answer 2 is incorrect because these are not signs of alteration in the sodium level. Answer 3 is incorrect because clients would demonstrate hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Numbness and circumoral tingling are not signs/symptoms relating to serum glucose. Answer 4 is incorrect because circumoral tingling is not a sign of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, which are related to furosemide (Lasix).