Which sign is indicative of hypocalcemia when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure?

BTSC 3 August 2025

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC 3 August 2025

Explanation

Trousseau's sign is a specific indicator of latent tetany, which is caused by hypocalcemia.
It is elicited by inducing ischemia in the arm by inflating a blood pressure cuff to a pressure above the patient's systolic blood pressure for 2 to 5 minutes.
A positive sign is the development of a carpopedal spasm, characterized by flexion of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, extension of the interphalangeal joints, and adduction of the thumb.
This response occurs due to the increased irritability of nerves when serum calcium levels are low.

Option A: This sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear, not by inflating a blood pressure cuff.
Option C: This sign is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), not hypocalcemia. It involves checking for calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot.
Option D: This sign indicates meningeal irritation, a hallmark of meningitis. It involves pain or resistance when extending the knee while the hip is flexed.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Clinical assessment for hypocalcemia helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Early recognition of hypocalcemia signs like Trousseau's is critical for nurses to prevent life-threatening complications such as seizures, laryngospasm, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Nurses should monitor serum calcium levels (normal range: 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL) and be prepared to administer calcium gluconate as prescribed, especially in at-risk patients like those post-thyroidectomy.
What if? If the patient also shows a positive Chvostek's sign (facial twitching), it would further strengthen the suspicion of hypocalcemia, warranting immediate notification of the primary provider and preparation for intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key clinical scenario: a specific action (inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure) is used to test for a specific condition (hypocalcemia).
The question asks you to name the sign associated with this procedure.
Review the four options provided and recall the definition and indication for each clinical sign.
Match the procedure described in the question with the correct definition. Trousseau's sign is specifically defined as carpal spasm induced by occluding blood flow with a BP cuff.
Eliminate the other options by confirming they are used for different conditions (Homan's for DVT, Kernig's for meningitis) or use a different technique (Chvostek's involves tapping the facial nerve).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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