A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a subtotal thyroidectomy. On the second postoperative day, the client states, "I feel numbness and tingling around my mouth." What action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale: Oxygen delivery equipment is essential post-thyroidectomy due to the risk of respiratory distress. Surgical manipulation near the trachea can cause swelling, compromising the airway. Additionally, laryngeal nerve damage is a potential complication, which can lead to vocal cord paralysis and airway obstruction. Having oxygen readily available ensures immediate intervention for hypoxemia.
Choice B rationale: Humidified air is not a primary, immediately essential piece of emergency equipment for a client from the PACU post-thyroidectomy. While it can be used to soothe an irritated airway and reduce coughing, it is not a life-saving intervention for acute respiratory distress. The most critical concerns are airway obstruction and bleeding.
Choice C rationale: Suction equipment is vital to manage potential airway obstruction from secretions or blood. Post-thyroidectomy, there is a risk of hemorrhage and edema, which can lead to pooling of blood or fluid in the pharyngeal area. A functional suction setup allows for the immediate clearance of the airway to maintain patency.
Choice D rationale: A tracheostomy tray is crucial emergency equipment because of the high risk of airway compromise. Postoperative edema, hematoma formation, or laryngeal nerve damage can cause acute respiratory distress. If intubation is not possible, an emergency tracheostomy may be required to secure the airway and prevent suffocation.
Choice E rationale: A padded tongue blade is not a recommended piece of equipment for a client post-thyroidectomy. The use of a tongue blade is associated with a risk of damaging the oral tissues and is ineffective for managing the specific airway complications, such as edema or hematoma, that are most likely to occur after this surgery.

Choice A rationale: Glucose is a primary fuel source, but the body can also use fatty acids and amino acids for energy through metabolic pathways like beta-oxidation and gluconeogenesis. The brain, however, has a high metabolic rate and is highly dependent on glucose as its main energy substrate because fatty acids cannot cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently.
Choice B rationale: The brain is almost exclusively dependent on glucose for its energy needs, as it lacks the ability to store glucose as glycogen and cannot effectively utilize other energy sources like fatty acids. A sustained blood glucose level below the normal range, typically below 60 mg/dL, impairs cerebral function, leading to symptoms like confusion and lethargy.
Choice C rationale: The production of red blood cells, a process called erythropoiesis, occurs primarily in the bone marrow. This process is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin and depends on nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. It is not directly linked to a minimum blood glucose level in the way that brain function is.
Choice D rationale: Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic metabolism when oxygen supply is insufficient, not due to low blood glucose. While severe hypoglycemia can lead to metabolic disturbances, lactic acidosis is typically associated with conditions like shock or certain metabolic disorders, not directly with low blood glucose levels.