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If the patient isn't in distress, obtain a detailed history. Ask about the onset and duration of the spasms and ask for a description of pain they produce. Also ask about related signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia, such as numbness and tingling of the fingertips and feet, other muscle cramps or spasms, and nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Check for previous neck surgery, calcium or magnesium deficiency, tetanus exposure, and hypoparathyroidism.
During the history, form a general impression of the patient's mental status and behavior. If possible, ask family members or friends if they've noticed changes in the patient's behavior. Mental confusion or even personality changes may occur with hypocalcemia.
Inspect the patient's skin and fingernails, noting dryness or scaling and ridged, brittle nails.
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
If the patient isn’t in distress, obtain a detailed history. Ask about the onset and duration of the spasms and the degree of pain they produce. Also ask about related signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia, such as numbness and tingling of the fingertips and feet, other muscle cramps or spasms, and nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Check for previous neck surgery, calcium or magnesium deficiency, tetanus exposure, and hypoparathyroidism.
During the history, form a general impression of the patient’s mental status and behavior. If possible, ask family members or friends if they’ve noticed changes in the patient’s behavior because hypocalcemia can cause confusion and even personality changes.
Inspect the patient’s skin and fingernails, noting any dryness or scaling and ridged, brittle nails.
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Take the patient’s vital signs. Hypocalcemia may result in hypotension and an irregular heart rhythm. Check for Chvostek’s sign, also an indicator of hypocalcemia. Then proceed to perform a complete physical examination. Inspect the patient’s skin and fingernails, noting any dryness or scaling or ridged, brittle nails caused by hypocalcemia.
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
If the patient isn't in distress, obtain a detailed history. Ask about the onset and duration of the spasms and ask for a description of pain they produce. Also ask about related signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia, such as numbness and tingling of the fingertips and feet, other muscle cramps or spasms, and nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Check for previous neck surgery, calcium or magnesium deficiency, tetanus exposure, and hypoparathyroidism.
During the history, form a general impression of the patient's mental status and behavior. If possible, ask family members or friends if they've noticed changes in the patient's behavior. Mental confusion or even personality changes may occur with hypocalcemia.
Inspect the patient's skin and fingernails, noting dryness or scaling and ridged, brittle nails.
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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