A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

The client is at risk for developing

Exhibits

due to

dropdown

Correct choices are:

Hoarse voice

A hoarse voice can indicate injury or irritation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is a common complication following thyroid surgery. This nerve is located near the thyroid gland and can be affected during thyroidectomy, leading to vocal cord dysfunction. It's important to report this change in voice to the provider for further evaluation and management.

Tingling around the mouth

Tingling around the mouth can be a sign of hypocalcemia, which is a potential complication after thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. These glands regulate calcium levels in the body. Hypocalcemia can present with symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle spasms. Prompt reporting is necessary so that calcium levels can be assessed and appropriate treatment initiated if needed.

Temperature increase from 37.5°C (99.5°F) to 38.6°C (101.5°F) within 1 hour

A rapid increase in temperature postoperatively may indicate infection, such as surgical site infection or systemic infection. This is particularly concerning given the recent surgical procedure. Reporting this change in temperature promptly allows the provider to assess for signs of infection, order appropriate diagnostic tests (such as blood cultures or wound cultures), and initiate timely treatment.

Moderate serosanguinous drainage noted on neck dressing

Serosanguinous drainage (clear to slightly bloody fluid) on the neck dressing is expected post- thyroidectomy, but the amount and nature of drainage should be assessed regularly for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection. Reporting moderate drainage ensures that the provider can assess for complications, such as hematoma formation or wound infection, and intervene as necessary.

A. Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) typically manifests with symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It does not cause changes in lung auscultation findings.
B. Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, crackles (rales) on lung auscultation, and possibly decreased oxygen saturation. While pulmonary edema can cause abnormal lung sounds, it is less likely in a client recovering from a lacerated spleen unless there are additional complications or comorbidities.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a part of the lung, resulting in reduced or absent air exchange. It can occur due to prolonged bedrest, shallow breathing, or conditions that restrict lung expansion. A client who has been on bedrest for several days is at increased risk for developing atelectasis, especially in the lower lobes where ventilation may be compromised. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes suggest atelectasis as a likely condition.
D. An upper respiratory infection typically affects the upper airways (nose, throat, sinuses), causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and sometimes fever. Lung auscultation findings in an upper respiratory infection are more likely to include rhonchi or wheezes rather than decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.