Which sign indicates hypocalcemia when tapping the cheek results in cheek puffing?

Which sign indicates hypocalcemia when tapping the cheek results in cheek puffing?

• A. Brudzinski's sign
• B. Chvostek's sign
• C. Babinski's sign
• D. Trousseau's sign

Answer: (B)

The sign indicating hypocalcemia when tapping the cheek that results in cheek puffing is known as Chvostek's sign. This sign is a reaction that occurs due to the hyperirritability of the facial nerve when stimulated, which is commonly associated with low calcium levels in the blood. When a healthcare provider lightly taps on the cheek (the area over the facial nerve), a positive Chvostek's sign is indicated by twitching of the facial muscles, which can manifest as a puffing of the cheek. This reaction is important because it signifies neuromuscular excitability linked to hypocalcemia, allowing clinicians to identify individuals who may be at risk of calcium deficiency-related complications. Understanding Chvostek's sign is particularly useful in the context of assessing metabolic conditions that affect calcium balance in the body, making it a critical skill for healthcare providers in identifying and managing conditions related to electrolyte imbalances.

The sign indicating hypocalcemia when tapping the cheek that results in cheek puffing is known as Chvostek's sign. This sign is a reaction that occurs due to the hyperirritability of the facial nerve when stimulated, which is commonly associated with low calcium levels in the blood.

When a healthcare provider lightly taps on the cheek (the area over the facial nerve), a positive Chvostek's sign is indicated by twitching of the facial muscles, which can manifest as a puffing of the cheek. This reaction is important because it signifies neuromuscular excitability linked to hypocalcemia, allowing clinicians to identify individuals who may be at risk of calcium deficiency-related complications.

Understanding Chvostek's sign is particularly useful in the context of assessing metabolic conditions that affect calcium balance in the body, making it a critical skill for healthcare providers in identifying and managing conditions related to electrolyte imbalances.