A nurse is caring for a client with thyroid cancer who has undergone surgery, and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has been removed. The nurse should prioritize what question when addressing potential complications?
"Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?"
"Do you feel flushed or sweaty?"
"Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?"
"Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones?"
The Correct Answer is A
A. Removal or injury of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery can lead to hypocalcemia, which often presents with muscle twitching, spasms, or tingling (especially around the mouth or in the fingers). This is the most urgent complication to assess for.
B. Flushing or sweating is more indicative of a hypermetabolic state, such as in hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma, not parathyroid-related issues.
C. Dizziness or lightheadedness is nonspecific and not typically the first sign of hypocalcemia.
D. Bone pain may be associated with chronic hyperparathyroidism, not acute postoperative hypocalcemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Cryosurgery is used for tumors in patients who are not surgical candidates but is not the primary treatment for resectable, localized liver cancer.
B. Liver transplantation is considered when cancer involves both lobes or in the presence of underlying liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), not when the tumor is confined to one lobe.
C. Lobectomy (surgical resection of the affected lobe) is the preferred treatment when hepatocellular carcinoma is localized to one lobe and the remaining liver tissue is healthy.
D. Laser hyperthermia is an investigational or palliative technique and is not considered first-line treatment for localized HCC.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fluid balance management is more critical in conditions like heart failure or renal disease, not routine post-cholecystectomy care.
B. Blood glucose monitoring is not routinely necessary after cholecystectomy unless the client has diabetes.
C. Educating the client about signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal complications such as infection, bile leak, or bleeding is essential to ensure early recognition and timely medical intervention.
D. Pancreatic enzymes are not usually prescribed after cholecystectomy unless the client has pancreatic insufficiency, which is uncommon.
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