Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2025 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

For which condition is Trousseau's sign typically assessed?

Hypokalemia

Hypermagnesemia

Hypocalcemia

Trousseau's sign is typically assessed for hypocalcemia. This clinical sign involves inducing carpal spasm by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for a few minutes. This test demonstrates increased neuromuscular excitability that is often associated with low calcium levels in the blood.

In patients with hypocalcemia, the lack of calcium affects neuromuscular function, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and tingling. The elicited contraction of the hand and forearm muscles due to the temporary occlusion of blood flow mimics the spasms seen in hypocalcemia, providing a useful indicator for healthcare providers.

While the other conditions listed may have their own signs and symptoms, they do not typically involve Trousseau's sign as an indication of their presence. Understanding normal physiological responses to electrolyte imbalances helps in the assessment and management of various conditions in emergency nursing.

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Hyponatremia

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