A nurse is caring for a client after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following manifestations would lead the nurse to suspect that the procedure caused damage to the client's parathyroid glands?
Hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia
Muscle twitching and tingling around the mouth
Harsh, vibratory breath sounds
Hyperthermia and hypertension
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia: These are not typical indicators of parathyroid damage. Hypercalcemia usually results from overactive parathyroid glands, while hyperkalemia is not a common result of parathyroid damage.
B. Muscle twitching and tingling around the mouth: These symptoms are indicative of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged during thyroid surgery. This results in hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which causes neuromuscular symptoms like muscle twitching and tingling.
C. Harsh, vibratory breath sounds: These are not related to parathyroid damage. They may suggest respiratory issues, not problems with calcium regulation.
D. Hyperthermia and hypertension: These are not associated with parathyroid damage. They may be related to other post-surgical complications but not specifically to parathyroid gland injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will include protein and carbohydrates in every meal": This is appropriate for a client with Graves' disease. A balanced diet with adequate protein and carbohydrates helps meet increased caloric needs due to hypermetabolism.
B. "I will avoid caffeinated beverages": This is a correct statement. Clients with Graves' disease should avoid caffeine as it can exacerbate symptoms like tremors and palpitations.
C. "I will eat a high-fiber diet": This is beneficial for maintaining gastrointestinal health. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased bowel movements, so a high-fiber diet helps prevent diarrhea.
D. "I will eat six full meals per day, with snacks in between": This indicates a need for further teaching. While frequent meals may be needed, "six full meals" can be excessive. Instead, a high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet with smaller, more frequent meals may be recommended to address increased metabolic demands without overloading the digestive system.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You may need to repeat this therapy again in three weeks if the first dose doesn't achieve optimal results": Radioactive iodine therapy may require additional doses, but this is not determined by a set timeframe such as three weeks. The need for additional therapy is based on the individual’s response and thyroid function tests.
B. "Avoid being close to pregnant women and children for 7 days after your treatment": This is correct as radioactive iodine therapy can emit radiation, and avoiding close contact with vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children helps minimize their exposure to radiation.
C. "You may need to begin corticosteroid replacement therapy after this treatment": This is incorrect because corticosteroid replacement is not typically required after radioactive iodine therapy for Graves' disease. The treatment primarily targets the thyroid gland.
D. "The purpose of this therapy is to increase your levels of thyroid hormone": This is incorrect. The purpose of radioactive iodine therapy is to reduce thyroid hormone production by destroying thyroid tissue, which helps to manage hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease.
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