A positive Trousseau sign indicates which electrolyte imbalance?

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Prepare for the Mark Klimek Electrolytes and Endocrine Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for each query to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

A positive Trousseau sign indicates which electrolyte imbalance?

Explanation:
A positive Trousseau sign shows increased neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. Calcium normally stabilizes nerve and muscle membranes; when calcium is low, the threshold for depolarization drops, so nerves fire more easily and muscles can spasm. Inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for a few minutes induces forearm ischemia, and in someone with hypocalcemia this provokes a carpopedal spasm—the sign is considered positive. This points to low calcium rather than high calcium, and hypercalcemia would actually reduce excitability rather than cause tetany. Hypernatremia or hyperkalemia don’t produce this specific provocative response.

A positive Trousseau sign shows increased neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. Calcium normally stabilizes nerve and muscle membranes; when calcium is low, the threshold for depolarization drops, so nerves fire more easily and muscles can spasm. Inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for a few minutes induces forearm ischemia, and in someone with hypocalcemia this provokes a carpopedal spasm—the sign is considered positive. This points to low calcium rather than high calcium, and hypercalcemia would actually reduce excitability rather than cause tetany. Hypernatremia or hyperkalemia don’t produce this specific provocative response.

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