Which symptom might indicate that a patient is about to experience a tetany attack?

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Blue Book Part 1 Exam. Study with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Get ready for your nursing exam!

Tingling in the extremities is often associated with hyperventilation or imbalances in electrolytes, particularly calcium. This symptom can precede a tetany attack, which is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. In the context of tetany, tingling, also known as paresthesia, is commonly noted in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth. It signals that the nerves are becoming overexcited, usually due to low calcium levels or other metabolic disturbances affecting nerve and muscle function.

In tetany, this heightened nerve excitability leads to an increased likelihood of muscle spasms. Therefore, recognizing this tingling sensation is vital for timely intervention, allowing healthcare providers to address the underlying issue before the patient experiences the more severe symptoms of a tetany attack.

While loss of appetite, muscle fatigue, and headaches can be related to various health issues, they are not specific indicators of impending tetany. These symptoms could arise from numerous other causes and do not directly correlate with the neuromuscular dysfunction seen in tetany. The tingling sensation, however, serves as an important early warning sign in this context.

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