A nurse is caring for a client following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should assess for which of the following findings as an indication of hypocalcemia?

A. Strong bounding pulse: A bounding pulse is more commonly associated with hypervolemia or hyperthyroidism rather than hypocalcemia. It does not reflect the neuromuscular excitability seen with low calcium levels. B. Diminished deep tendon reflexes: Hypocalcemia typically causes hyperreflexia or positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs due to increased neuromuscular excitability, rather than diminished reflexes. C. Tingling and numbness of the hands and feet: Paresthesia in the extremities is a classic early sign of hypocalcemia. Low calcium increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to tingling, numbness, and muscle cramps. D. Decreased bowel sounds: Hypocalcemia does not directly affect gastrointestinal motility in the acute setting. Decreased bowel sounds are more related to medications, ileus, or other electrolyte imbalances such as hypermagnesemia.