What are common signs of hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy?

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Multiple Choice

What are common signs of hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy?

Explanation:
After thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands can be damaged or removed, leading to decreased parathyroid hormone and low calcium levels. Low calcium makes nerves and muscles hyperexcitable, producing tingling around the mouth and in the extremities, muscle cramps, and especially tetany with carpopedal spasms. Perioral numbness is a classic early symptom, and carpopedal spasm is a distinctive exam finding. These signs are the expected manifestation of hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroidism, not hypertension, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia. Hypertension and hyperkalemia aren’t typical features of this condition, and hypercalcemia would present with different symptoms.

After thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands can be damaged or removed, leading to decreased parathyroid hormone and low calcium levels. Low calcium makes nerves and muscles hyperexcitable, producing tingling around the mouth and in the extremities, muscle cramps, and especially tetany with carpopedal spasms. Perioral numbness is a classic early symptom, and carpopedal spasm is a distinctive exam finding. These signs are the expected manifestation of hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroidism, not hypertension, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia. Hypertension and hyperkalemia aren’t typical features of this condition, and hypercalcemia would present with different symptoms.

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