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The nurse is monitoring a client who has undergone a thyroidectomy. The nurse suspects the parathyroid glands may have been inadvertently removed if imbalances are seen in which serum electrolyte level?

1) Calcium
2) Chloride
3) Potassium
4) Magnesium
5) Sodium

User ESRogs
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Final answer:

The serum electrolyte level that may indicate the inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands after a thyroidectomy is calcium. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium blood levels, may occur if the parathyroid glands are unintentionally removed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The serum electrolyte level that may indicate inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands after a thyroidectomy is Calcium. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium blood levels, can occur if the parathyroid glands are unintentionally removed. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which helps regulate calcium levels in the body. If PTH is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances in calcium levels, causing hypocalcemia.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's calcium levels closely to check for any imbalances that may indicate removal of the parathyroid glands.

User Scaney
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