Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

For which condition is Trousseau's sign typically assessed?

1. Hypokalemia

2. Hypermagnesemia

3. Hypocalcemia

4. Hyponatremia

The correct answer is: Hypocalcemia

Trousseau's sign is typically assessed for hypocalcemia. This clinical sign involves inducing carpal spasm by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for a few minutes. This test demonstrates increased neuromuscular excitability that is often associated with low calcium levels in the blood. In patients with hypocalcemia, the lack of calcium affects neuromuscular function, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and tingling. The elicited contraction of the hand and forearm muscles due to the temporary occlusion of blood flow mimics the spasms seen in hypocalcemia, providing a useful indicator for healthcare providers. While the other conditions listed may have their own signs and symptoms, they do not typically involve Trousseau's sign as an indication of their presence. Understanding normal physiological responses to electrolyte imbalances helps in the assessment and management of various conditions in emergency nursing.