What electrolyte imbalance is indicated by Trousseau's sign and Chvostek's sign in a patient with short bowel syndrome?

Trousseau's sign and Chvostek's sign are clinical indicators associated with hypocalcemia, which refers to a calcium deficiency in the blood. Trousseau's sign involves muscle spasm in the hand or forearm when blood flow is restricted (by a tourniquet, for example), while Chvostek's sign is the twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping over the facial nerve. Both signs suggest neuromuscular excitability that is commonly seen with low calcium levels.

In the context of a patient with short bowel syndrome, malabsorption issues often lead to deficiencies in various nutrients, including calcium. Proper calcium levels are crucial for muscle and nerve function, and when these levels drop, neuromuscular signs such as Trousseau's and Chvostek's can manifest. Thus, identifying these signs in a patient aids in diagnosing hypocalcemia.

The other options reflect different electrolyte imbalances that do not produce these specific neuromuscular signs. Hyperkalemia, which involves high potassium levels, may lead to various cardiac and muscular issues but not specifically Trousseau's or Chvostek's signs. Hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular irritability as well,