Between 1 hour and 48 hours after thyroid surgery, which complication is expected with subtotal thyroidectomy?

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Multiple Choice

Between 1 hour and 48 hours after thyroid surgery, which complication is expected with subtotal thyroidectomy?

Explanation:
When the parathyroid glands are affected during thyroidectomy, their ability to regulate calcium can be diminished. This leads to hypoparathyroidism and a drop in serum calcium, which is a common postoperative issue within the first 1–48 hours. Low calcium increases neuromuscular excitability, so patients may notice tingling, muscle cramps, and, in more pronounced cases, tetany. The underlying problem is the calcium level itself, making hypocalcemia the expected complication in this postoperative window. Thyroid storm is not a typical immediate postoperative issue after subtotal thyroidectomy, and hyperkalemia is not a characteristic complication of this surgery.

When the parathyroid glands are affected during thyroidectomy, their ability to regulate calcium can be diminished. This leads to hypoparathyroidism and a drop in serum calcium, which is a common postoperative issue within the first 1–48 hours. Low calcium increases neuromuscular excitability, so patients may notice tingling, muscle cramps, and, in more pronounced cases, tetany. The underlying problem is the calcium level itself, making hypocalcemia the expected complication in this postoperative window. Thyroid storm is not a typical immediate postoperative issue after subtotal thyroidectomy, and hyperkalemia is not a characteristic complication of this surgery.

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