Chvostek sign is produced by tapping the face and indicates which electrolyte abnormality?

Chvostek sign is produced by tapping the face and indicates which electrolyte abnormality?

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

Answer: (B)

Chvostek sign reveals increased neuromuscular excitability caused by low calcium. When calcium is low, nerves become more easily stimulated, so tapping the facial nerve near the cheek triggers twitching of the facial muscles. This classic sign points to hypocalcemia (such as from hypoparathyroidism or magnesium imbalance). Higher calcium would dampen excitability and not produce this response, and disturbances like hyponatremia or hyperkalemia typically present with different findings, not this facial tapping-induced contraction.

Chvostek sign reveals increased neuromuscular excitability caused by low calcium. When calcium is low, nerves become more easily stimulated, so tapping the facial nerve near the cheek triggers twitching of the facial muscles. This classic sign points to hypocalcemia (such as from hypoparathyroidism or magnesium imbalance). Higher calcium would dampen excitability and not produce this response, and disturbances like hyponatremia or hyperkalemia typically present with different findings, not this facial tapping-induced contraction.