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?

Choice A reason: Kernig’s sign is a clinical indicator of meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis. It involves pain and resistance when attempting to extend the knee while the hip is flexed. This sign is unrelated to postoperative thyroidectomy complications and does not correlate with tingling sensations caused by hypocalcemia. Choice B reason: Chvostek’s sign is the correct finding to assess. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the ear, which causes twitching of the facial muscles if hypocalcemia is present. After thyroidectomy, accidental removal or injury to the parathyroid glands can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased parathyroid hormone secretion. Tingling around the lips, hands, and feet is an early manifestation of hypocalcemia, making Chvostek’s sign the most appropriate assessment. Choice C reason: Brudzinski’s sign is another indicator of meningeal irritation, where passive neck flexion causes involuntary hip and knee flexion. Like Kernig’s sign, it is associated with meningitis, not hypocalcemia or thyroidectomy complications. Therefore, it is not relevant in this scenario. Choice D reason: Babinski’s sign is a neurological reflex where stroking the sole of the foot causes dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. It is used to assess corticospinal tract integrity and is abnormal in adults. It is not related to calcium imbalance or thyroid surgery complications, so it is not appropriate here.