Physiological AdaptationQuestion 622 of 2368

A client had thyroid surgery and develops muscle twitching, cramping, and spasms. Which condition do these findings suggest?

  1. Low blood calcium from hypoparathyroidism
  2. High blood calcium from hyperparathyroidism
  3. Hyperthyroidism from Graves' disease
  4. Iodine deficiency with goiter
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Correct answer: Low blood calcium from hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism may follow thyroid surgery. Low blood calcium increases nervous system responsiveness, causing twitching, cramping, and spasms.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Endocrine System: Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026