What should be assessed after thyroidectomy?

• A. Signs of infection at incision.
• B. Hyperglycemia.
• C. Weight gain.
• D. Signs of hypocalcemia due to possible parathyroid gland damage (tingling, cramps).

Answer: (D)

After thyroidectomy, the priority is to monitor for signs of hypocalcemia caused by possible parathyroid gland damage. The parathyroids control calcium levels in the body through parathyroid hormone, so if they are injured or removed during surgery, calcium can drop rapidly. Low calcium leads to symptoms such as tingling around the mouth and in the fingers or toes, muscle cramps, and tetany; these can progress to more serious situations like facial twitching or even laryngospasm if not treated promptly. So, actively assessing for these tingling sensations and cramps—and obtaining calcium levels to confirm and guide treatment—is essential after thyroidectomy. While signs of infection at the incision, hyperglycemia, or weight changes may be relevant in other contexts, they are not as immediately indicative of the surgery’s impact on calcium balance as signs of hypocalcemia.