Which sign should the nurse check to assess for hypocalcemia after a parathyroidectomy?

Trousseau's sign is the appropriate sign to check for assessing hypocalcemia, particularly after a parathyroidectomy. This sign is indicative of neuromuscular excitability that occurs in the context of low calcium levels in the blood. When a blood pressure cuff is inflated around the upper arm, if the patient exhibits carpopedal spasm—characterized by wrist flexion, finger spasms, and adduction of the thumb—this response is a positive Trousseau's sign. It suggests that the patient may have hypocalcemia, which is a potential complication following parathyroid surgery due to the manipulation or removal of the parathyroid glands that regulate calcium metabolism.

Given that parathyroid glands are crucial for maintaining calcium homeostasis, their removal or damage can lead to decreased levels of calcium, thus making monitoring for signs of hypocalcemia essential for patient safety after surgery. This is why Trousseau's sign serves as a significant clinical assessment tool during the postoperative period.