Final answer:
The nurse should suspect inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands if a post-op thyroidectomy patient experiences tetany, which is a sign of hypoparathyroidism and results in neuro-muscular irritability and hypocalcemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a post-op thyroidectomy patient begins to experience symptoms of tetany, the nurse may suspect the inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands. Tetany is characterized by neuro-muscular irritability and hypocalcemia, which are signs of hypoparathyroidism. This condition occurs due to the accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during neck or thyroid surgery.
The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the body, and their removal can result in a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, leading to tetany.