Question

The nurse is checking for hypoparathyroidism. To check for hypoparathyroidism, the nurse can check for the positive presence of which of the following signs? A. Kernig's B. Chadwick C. McBurney's D. Chvostek's

Short answer

Answer: The correct sign to check for hypoparathyroidism is Chvostek's Sign.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to low blood calcium levels. Signs associated with hypoparathyroidism include muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling in extremities. To find the correct answer, let's evaluate each option one-by-one.

Eliminating Option A – Kernig's Sign

Kernig's Sign is a clinical sign associated with meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This sign is tested by having the patient lie on their back and lifting their thigh, then bending the knee and trying to straighten the leg. A positive Kernig's Sign would be pain experienced while attempting to straighten the leg. Kernig's Sign is not related to hypoparathyroidism, so we can rule out option A.

Eliminating Option B – Chadwick's Sign

Chadwick's Sign is named after James Read Chadwick, an American physician, and gynecologist who first defined the sign. It is an early sign of pregnancy characterized by the bluish or purplish discoloration of the vaginal walls due to increased blood flow. It is not related to hypoparathyroidism, so we can rule out option B.

Eliminating Option C – McBurney's Sign

McBurney's Sign, also known as McBurney's Point, is a clinical sign used to diagnose appendicitis. It is the point at which pain is elicited when pressure is placed on the patient's right lower abdomen, approximately one-third the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the navel. It is not associated with hypoparathyroidism, so we can rule out option C.

Identifying the Correct Answer – Option D: Chvostek's Sign

Chvostek's Sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), which is often seen in cases of hypoparathyroidism. It is tested by tapping on the facial nerve in front of the ear, just below the zygomatic arch. A positive Chvostek's Sign would cause twitching or spasm of the facial muscles on the same side of the face due to the excitability of the facial nerve from low calcium levels. Therefore, the correct answer to this exercise is option D: Chvostek's Sign.