A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at highest risk for developing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
The client is at highest risk for developing hypocalcemia as evidenced by the total calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (normal range 9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL).
Explanation:
After a total thyroidectomy, there is a risk of hypocalcemia due to potential damage or removal of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. The laboratory result indicating a total calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL, which is below the normal range, supports this risk. Hypocalcemia can lead to symptoms such as tingling, muscle cramps, or more severe complications like cardiac arrhythmias if not addressed promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A is correct because hospice care includes bereavement support for the family for up to a year after the client's death.
B is incorrect because the hospice nurse does not administer pain medication, but rather teaches the family how to manage the client's pain at home.
C is incorrect because respite care is one of the services that hospice provides to allow the family to take a break from caregiving.
D is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to prolong life, but rather to provide comfort and quality of life for the client and the family.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
Re-evaluate the client for an ET cuff leak is not appropriate. While an ET cuff leak could contribute to respiratory distress, the immediate concern is the high-pressure alarm, which indicates increased resistance to airflow. The nurse should address the alarm first and then assess for other potential causes, including an ET cuff leak.
Choice B reason:
Option B: Assess for disconnected tubing is not appropriate. A disconnected tubing is also a potential cause of the high-pressure alarm. However, before checking for disconnected tubing, the nurse should first deliver manual breaths with a resuscitation bag to provide the client with adequate ventilation.
Choice C reason:
Decrease the ventilator flow rate is not appropriate. Decreasing the ventilator flow rate might not be the appropriate action in this situation, as the high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance, which might require increased flow to overcome. Additionally, the nurse should not delay taking immediate action by adjusting ventilator settings without knowing the specific cause of the high-pressure alarm.
Choice D reason:
When the high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress, it indicates that there is an increased resistance to airflow within the ventilator circuit or the client's airway. This can be a life-threatening situation, and immediate action is required.
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