A nurse is monitoring a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following data should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?
Temperature
Urination
Pain control
Airway patency
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Monitoring temperature is important postoperatively as it can indicate infection or inflammation. However, it is not the immediate priority following a thyroidectomy. The primary concern post-thyroidectomy is ensuring the airway is not compromised due to swelling or bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring urination is part of postoperative care to ensure kidney function and that the body is adequately eliminating fluids. While important, it is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period following a thyroidectomy.
Choice C reason:
Pain control is essential for patient comfort and recovery. However, while managing pain is a significant aspect of postoperative care, it is not the most critical priority following a thyroidectomy. The nurse must first ensure that the airway is clear.
Choice D reason:
Airway patency is the priority for monitoring a client post-thyroidectomy. Due to the proximity of the surgery to the trachea, there is a risk of swelling, hematoma, or other complications that could lead to airway obstruction. Ensuring the client has a patent airway is crucial to prevent respiratory distress or compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertension is not typically an early manifestation of fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES is more commonly associated with hypoxemia, which can lead to hypotension rather than hypertension².
Choice B reason:
While a swollen calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis, it is not an early sign of FES. FES primarily affects the lungs and neurological systems early on, rather than causing localized swelling such as in a calf².
Choice C reason:
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is indeed an early sign of FES. This symptom usually develops before others and is due to the fat globules causing respiratory distress by blocking the pulmonary microcirculation²³⁴.
Choice D reason:
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not an early sign of FES. Instead, patients may experience tachycardia as a response to hypoxemia and respiratory distress².
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hemodialysis does not typically result in a significant decrease in RBC count. While there can be a minimal loss of red blood cells during the process, it is not the primary focus of the treatment. The main purpose of hemodialysis is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Choice B reason:
Calcium levels may vary during hemodialysis, and the treatment can be adjusted to prevent significant changes in calcium levels. Hemodialysis can remove some calcium from the blood, but it is usually not the most affected value, and calcium can be added to the dialysate solution if necessary.
Choice C reason:
Potassium is one of the primary electrolytes removed during hemodialysis. High levels of potassium, which can be life-threatening, are commonly seen in clients with renal failure. Hemodialysis effectively reduces high potassium levels, which is crucial for preventing complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason:
Protein levels are not directly targeted by hemodialysis, and significant protein loss is not a usual outcome of the treatment. The dialysis membrane is designed to allow smaller molecules like urea and potassium to pass through while retaining larger molecules like proteins.
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