A nurse is caring for a client who is immediately postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy.

Vital Signs

1100:

Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F) Heart rate 98/min Respiratory rate 18/min

Blood pressure 128/68 mm Hg

Pulse oximetry 97% on room air

1115:

Temperature 37.8° C (100.1° F) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 16/min

Blood pressure 138/74 mm Hg

Pulse oximetry 95% on room air

1130:

Temperature 38.6° C (101.5° F). Heart rate 136/min

Respiratory rate 16/min

Blood pressure 154/86 mm Hg

Pulse oximetry 95% on 2 L/min via nasal cannula

Select the 4 client findings that lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing thyroid storm.

- A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the breast, usually to treat breast cancer. A mastectomy can have a significant impact on a woman's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as it may affect her body image, self-esteem, sexuality, and identity.
- A mastectomy incision is the wound that results from the surgery, which may vary in size, shape, and location depending on the type and extent of the mastectomy. The incision may be closed with stitches, staples, or glue, and covered with a dressing or bandage.

- The first dressing change is usually done within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, and it involves removing the old dressing, inspecting the incision for any signs of infection or complications, cleaning the wound, applying a new dressing, and educating the client about wound care .
- When the practical nurse (PN) tells the client that her mastectomy incision is healing well, but the client refuses to look at the incision and refuses to talk about it, this may indicate that the client is experiencing denial, fear, anger, grief, or depression due to the loss of her breast. These are normal and common reactions that may occur at different stages of the recovery process .
- The best response by the PN to the client's silence is to acknowledge and respect the client's feelings, provide support and reassurance, and offer assistance when needed. This will help to establish trust and rapport with the client, as well as promote her coping and adjustment .
- Therefore, option A is the best answer, as it shows empathy and respect for the client's feelings, while also informing the client that the PN will be available when she is ready to look or talk about the mastectomy. Option A also implies that the PN will not pressure or force the client to do something that she is not comfortable with.

- Options B, C, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not show empathy or respect for the client's
feelings, and they may cause more harm than good.
Option B is incorrect because asking another nurse to be present may not address the client's reluctance or
anxiety about looking at her incision.
Option C is incorrect because telling the client that part of recovery is accepting her new body image may
sound insensitive or judgmental, and it may not reflect the client's readiness or willingness to do so.
Option D is incorrect because telling the client that she will feel beter when she sees that the incision is not as bad as she may think may minimize or invalidate the client's feelings, and it may not be true or helpful.

A. "We can expect the hospice nurse to provide support for us after our mother's death." This statement indicates that the family understands that hospice care includes bereavement services for up to one year after the death of a loved one.

B. "A hospice nurse will come to the house each time our mother needs pain medication." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care involves teaching them how to administer pain medication and other comfort measures to their mother at home.

C. "Now that my mother is receiving hospice services, we will not be able to get respite care." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care offers respite care, which allows them to take a break from caregiving for a short period of time.

D. "Hospice care focuses on arranging treatment that will prolong our mother's life." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care focuses on providing palliative care, which aims to relieve pain and suffering, rather than curative treatment, which aims to extend life.