What sign, when positive, is associated with hypocalcemia?

A positive Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia and is a clinical indicator of neuromuscular excitability. This sign is elicited by tapping on the facial nerve, which runs just in front of the ear. If the patient has low calcium levels, the facial muscles will twitch or spasm on the same side as the tap, indicating increased excitability due to the reduced calcium concentration in the bloodstream.

Hypocalcemia can lead to overactivity of the neuromuscular junction because calcium is integral to muscle function and nerve impulse transmission. When calcium levels drop, muscles can become overly stimulated, resulting in this twitching response. Thus, a positive Chvostek's sign serves as an important clinical cue that may prompt further investigation into electrolyte balances and the underlying causes of hypocalcemia.

Trousseau's sign, while also indicative of hypocalcemia, is not the answer in this case. It involves inducing carpopedal spasm by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm. Hoffman's sign and Babinski's sign are associated with neurological conditions rather than direct indicators of calcium levels in the body, hence they are not relevant to hypocalcemia.