Which finding after thyroid surgery would indicate damage to the parathyroid glands?

Which finding after thyroid surgery would indicate damage to the parathyroid glands?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (A)

Calcium balance is controlled by the parathyroid glands through parathyroid hormone (PTH); when these glands are damaged or devascularized during thyroid surgery, PTH levels fall and calcium in the blood drops. This hypoparathyroidism causes hypocalcemia, with symptoms such as tingling around the mouth and in the extremities, muscle cramps, and can progress to tetany or seizures if severe. The decreased PTH also leads to increased phosphate levels because phosphate excretion in the kidneys is reduced when PTH is low, reinforcing the low calcium state. Hypercalcemia would not result from parathyroid injury in this context; it would suggest excess PTH or other causes. Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are not directly tied to parathyroid function.

Calcium balance is controlled by the parathyroid glands through parathyroid hormone (PTH); when these glands are damaged or devascularized during thyroid surgery, PTH levels fall and calcium in the blood drops. This hypoparathyroidism causes hypocalcemia, with symptoms such as tingling around the mouth and in the extremities, muscle cramps, and can progress to tetany or seizures if severe. The decreased PTH also leads to increased phosphate levels because phosphate excretion in the kidneys is reduced when PTH is low, reinforcing the low calcium state. Hypercalcemia would not result from parathyroid injury in this context; it would suggest excess PTH or other causes. Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are not directly tied to parathyroid function.