 Whenever you encounter an exam question that refers to caring for a patient after a thyroidectomy, always think about imbalances of calcium and phosphorus levels. And the reason is that the parathyroid glands sit on top of the thyroid. And when the thyroid is now removed, the parathyroid glands might be removed with the thyroid gland. And the parathyroid is in charge of calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as regulation. So now when the parathyroid gland is removed, the calcium and phosphorus levels might be out of balance. So always look for signs and symptoms that refer to calcium as well as phosphorus balance in the body. And then always check the labs. That should be the first thing that you do when you suspect the patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms.