Hypocalcemia can be diagnosed by which sign?

Hypocalcemia can indeed be diagnosed by Trousseau's Sign. This clinical sign is associated with low calcium levels in the blood and is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff around the arm to a pressure higher than the patient's systolic blood pressure for several minutes. This induces carpopedal spasm, which is characterized by flexion of the wrist and fingers, as well as adduction of the thumb. This phenomenon occurs due to increased neuromuscular excitability in the presence of low calcium levels, making it a reliable indicator of hypocalcemia.

In clinical practice, Trousseau's Sign is important because it can provide immediate evidence that a patient's calcium levels are critically low, prompting timely intervention. Recognizing this sign can be particularly significant in acute care settings, such as during flight paramedic operations, where quick and accurate assessments are vital for patient management.