Trousseau's Sign of Latent Tetany During Hypocalcemia: Nursing Clinical Skills

Trousseau's sign of latent tetany is a sign that nurses and other healthcare professionals can assess to determine whether a patient has an electrolyte imbalance of calcium.

This sign primarily assesses for hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood, but it can also occur with hypomagnesemia (a low magnesium blood level).

To assess for Trousseau's sign, you'll need a blood pressure cuff and the patient's blood pressure reading, specifically the systolic number, which is the top number. Inflate the cuff to a pressure greater than the systolic (top number), and hold it for approximately three minutes.

During this time, you will assess whether there is any movement or spasm in the hand or wrist that is consistent with Trousseau Sign. A positive Trousseau sign means the hand will draw toward the body, and flexion will occur at the wrist, thumb, and MCP joints as the fingers (PIP and DIP joints) remain extended.

A negative Trousseau sign means that no cramping/action will occur.

Some nursing exams or USMLE may test you over Trousseau sign of latent tetany. Trousseau sign should not be confused with Chvostek's sign, which involves tapping the masseter muscle to assess for facial twitching.

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