A patient from the emergency department will be transferred to the medical nursing unit. Which equipment should the nurse have available? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: High T4 levels indicate excessive thyroid hormone production, a hallmark of hyperthyroidism. This aligns with endocrine diagnostic criteria, making it a correct test result the nurse would expect, reflecting the overactive thyroid function in a patient with suspected hyperthyroidism.

Choice B reason: High TSH levels suggest hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, where TSH is typically low due to negative feedback. This is incorrect, as it contradicts the hormonal profile expected in hyperthyroidism, making it an inaccurate test result for the nurse’s evaluation.

Choice C reason: Low T4 levels are associated with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, which features elevated T4. This is incorrect, as it does not reflect the increased thyroid hormone production expected in hyperthyroidism, making it an inaccurate finding for the nurse’s assessment.

Choice D reason: Low TSH levels occur in hyperthyroidism due to feedback suppression from high thyroid hormones. This aligns with endocrine lab diagnostics, making it a correct test result the nurse would expect, confirming the overactive thyroid state in the patient’s evaluation.

Choice A reason: Showering and walking the next day are appropriate post-thyroidectomy activities, promoting mobility without strain. Expecting yellow drainage indicates a misunderstanding, as it suggests infection, making this correct and incorrect for needing further teaching, as it aligns with recovery expectations.

Choice B reason: Yellow drainage from the incision suggests infection, not a normal post-thyroidectomy expectation, indicating a need for further teaching. Normal drainage, if any, is minimal and serosanguinous, making this the correct choice, as it reflects a misconception requiring clarification in the patient’s recovery education.

Choice C reason: Avoiding heavy lifting is accurate, as it prevents strain on the surgical site post-thyroidectomy. Yellow drainage is an incorrect expectation, making this correct and incorrect for needing teaching, as it aligns with proper recovery restrictions to ensure healing and safety.

Choice D reason: Avoiding excessive neck extension is appropriate to protect the incision and promote healing post-thyroidectomy. Yellow drainage is a misconception, making this correct and incorrect for needing teaching, as it reflects proper understanding of activity limitations during the recovery period.