Which condition could cause low serum calcium and lead to symptoms of tingling and muscle spasms following thyroid surgery?

The correct answer is associated with a condition known as hypocalcemia. After thyroid surgery, particularly if the parathyroid glands are inadvertently damaged or removed, it can lead to a decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining normal serum calcium levels. When its level drops, it results in decreased calcium in the serum, leading to symptoms like tingling, muscle spasms, or tetany due to increased neuromuscular excitability.

In the context of thyroid surgery, monitoring calcium levels is essential as postoperative hypocalcemia is a well-recognized complication. Patients may present with signs of irritation of the neuromuscular system, such as tingling in the fingers and muscle cramps, often due to low calcium levels affecting muscle and nerve function.

Other conditions mentioned in the choices do not directly relate to low serum calcium following thyroid surgery. For instance, hypokalemia primarily refers to low potassium levels, hyperparathyroidism typically results in high calcium levels due to increased parathyroid hormone, and thyroid storm involves a hypermetabolic state due to excess thyroid hormone, which does not typically cause low calcium levels. Thus, recognizing hypocalcemia as the resulting condition after thyroid surgery is fundamental in understanding this postoperative