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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye, known as the oculocephalic reflex or 'doll's eye' maneuver, is a method used to assess brainstem function in an unresponsive patient. However, this should be done with caution and is generally avoided if there is a suspicion of a neck injury or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method to elicit a response to painful stimuli. It is considered a less invasive and safer initial approach to assess the patient's response to pain without causing harm.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle to elicit a response is not a standard practice and can be harmful. It poses a risk of skin puncture and infection, and it is not an appropriate method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.
Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess the deep tendon reflexes, which can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system. However, it is not typically used as a method to elicit a response to painful stimuli in an unresponsive patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking if the client feels like they have food stuck at the base of their throat is a pertinent question for assessing swallowing in a client with oral achalasia. Achalasia is characterized by difficulty in swallowing due to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, leading to a sensation of food being stuck.
Choice B reason: While burning sensations in the throat can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), they are not specific to achalasia. However, some clients with achalasia may experience similar symptoms due to food stasis and fermentation in the esophagus.
Choice C reason: Feelings of fullness in the neck are not a typical symptom of achalasia. Achalasia primarily affects the esophagus and does not usually cause a sensation of fullness in the neck.
Choice D reason: Pain while swallowing, or odynophagia, can occur in achalasia but is more commonly associated with conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the esophagus, such as infections or ingestion of irritants.
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