A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a complete thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Muscle twitching
Client report of nausea
Serosanguineous drainage
Client report of incisional pain
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason : Muscle twitching can be indicative of hypocalcemia, a common and serious complication following a complete thyroidectomy due to potential damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent more severe symptoms such as tetany or cardiac complications.
Choice B reason : While nausea is a common postoperative symptom, it is not typically as urgent as signs of hypocalcemia. However, persistent nausea should still be addressed as it can affect the client's comfort and nutritional intake.
Choice C reason : Serosanguineous drainage is expected to some extent after surgery, but if it is excessive or changes in character, it may indicate hemorrhage or infection, which would then become a priority.
Choice D reason : Incisional pain is also expected postoperatively. While pain management is important for recovery, it is not as immediately concerning as potential hypocalcemia unless the pain is severe or uncontrolled, suggesting complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Petechiae on the chest are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including infections. However, they are not a common finding in meningitis. Meningitis typically presents with symptoms related to inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical symptom of meningitis. While meningitis can affect various bodily functions, the classic symptoms are fever, headache, and neck stiffness, not changes in heart rate.
Choice C reason: Intermittent headache could be associated with meningitis, but the headaches that accompany meningitis are usually constant and severe due to the inflammation of the meninges. They are not typically described as intermittent.
Choice D reason: Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common finding in meningitis. The inflammation of the meninges can lead to an increased sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain when the patient is exposed to bright lights. This symptom, along with headache, neck stiffness, and fever, helps to distinguish meningitis from other conditions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Uric acid levels are expected to be increased in a client with acute gout. Gout is associated with hyperuricemia, where serum or plasma urate concentrations exceed 6.8 mg/dL. This elevation in uric acid can lead to the formation of monosodium urate crystals in joints, causing the characteristic painful inflammation of gout.
Choice B reason : Intrinsic factor is not related to gout. It is a protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Choice C reason : Chloride levels are typically not affected in acute gout and are not a specific indicator for this condition.
Choice D reason : Creatinine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage but are not a specific marker for gout.
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