A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Place the head of the client's bed in the flat position.
Instruct the client to deep breathe every 4 hr.
Hyperextend the client's neck.
Check the client's voice every 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
- Choice A Rationale: Placing the head of the bed in the flat position is not recommended as it can increase the risk of airway obstruction and reduce venous drainage from the head, which is especially critical after thyroid surgery.
- Choice B Rationale: While deep breathing is important postoperatively, it is not specific to thyroidectomy care and should be done more frequently than every 4 hours to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent atelectasis.
- Choice C Rationale: Hyperextending the client's neck can be harmful post-thyroidectomy as it may put stress on the surgical site, potentially leading to dehiscence or damage to the area.
- Choice D Rationale: Checking the client's voice every 2 hours is essential after a thyroidectomy because vocal cord paralysis can be an indicator of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, which is a potential complication of the surgery. Monitoring the voice allows for early detection and intervention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Drowsiness is not a typical manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Instead, individuals with thyrotoxicosis often experience restlessness and anxiety due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.
B. Dry skin is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone levels), rather than thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone levels).
C. Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. In thyrotoxicosis, tachycardia (an abnormally rapid heart rate) is a common finding.
D. Correct. Heat intolerance is a classic symptom of thyrotoxicosis. Excessive thyroid hormone levels can lead to an increased metabolic rate, making individuals more sensitive to heat.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This option is not ideal for levothyroxine (Synthroid) because it should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Taking it with food, especially a meal like breakfast, can interfere with its absorption.
B. This is the correct option. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before breakfast, or any other medications. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the best absorption of the medication.
C. Taking levothyroxine in the evening is not recommended. It should be taken in the morning to coincide with the body's natural circadian rhythm and to avoid potential interactions with food or other medications.
D. While it's important to take levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast, it is not necessary to take it without any other medications. It can be taken alongside other daily medications as long as there are no interactions that would affect its absorption.
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