A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. The client reports a tingling sensation in the hands, the soles of the feet, and around the lips. For which of the following findings should the nurse assess the client?

Choice A reason: Brudzinski’s sign is used to assess meningeal irritation and is not relevant in the context of postoperative thyroid surgery or electrolyte imbalance. Choice B reason: Babinski’s sign is a neurological reflex test used to assess upper motor neuron lesions. It is not associated with hypocalcemia or thyroidectomy complications. Choice C reason: Kernig’s sign is another indicator of meningeal irritation and is unrelated to the symptoms described in this scenario. Choice D reason: Chvostek’s sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroidectomy due to potential injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Tingling in the extremities and perioral area is an early symptom of hypocalcemia. Tapping the facial nerve elicits twitching in the facial muscles if the sign is positive.