Physiological AdaptationQuestion 208 of 2368
A client has had a low serum calcium level for two days. Which finding should the nurse expect when tapping the client's facial nerve?
- Drooping of one side of the mouth
- Dilation of the pupils
- A sudden loss of the gag reflex
- Involuntary twitching of the facial muscles
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Correct answer: Involuntary twitching of the facial muscles
Twitching of facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped is Chvostek's sign, a classic sign of acute hypocalcemia.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Calcium. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026