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A 56-year-old woman is recovering after undergoing a total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. Her temperature is 99.8 °F, blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, and pulse is 90/min. During her postoperative examination by the intern, the patient complains of numbness and tingling around her mouth and in her hands and feet.

What could have been done postoperatively to anticipate and potentially remedy these symptoms?

A. Check magnesium
B. Check parathyroid hormone
C. Check potassium
D. Check TSH and free T4
E. Carotid ultrasound

Answer :

Final answer:

The symptoms suggest hypocalcemia, a common postoperative complication after total thyroidectomy. To anticipate and potentially remedy these, it's recommended to monitor parathyroid hormone levels postoperatively.

Explanation:

The symptoms the lady is experiencing are indicative of hypocalcemia, which often occurs after a total thyroidectomy. It is caused by inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands, which are located very close to the thyroid and regulate the levels of calcium in the body. In order to anticipate and potentially remedy such symptoms, it's important to monitor the parathyroid hormone levels postoperatively.

Learn more about Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy here:

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