A patient has just arrived on the unit after a thyroidectomy. Which action would the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Taking a daily multivitamin with iron is important for overall health, but it is not specifically related to preventing sickle cell crises. While maintaining proper nutrition is essential, it does not directly address the triggers or management of sickle cell crises.
Choice B reason: Restricting fluids to 2 liters per day is not appropriate for patients with sickle cell disease. In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial to prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduce the risk of a sickle cell crisis. Restricting fluids could lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate the condition.
Choice C reason: Limiting exposure to crowds is an important instruction for patients with sickle cell disease. Crowded environments can increase the risk of infections, which can trigger a sickle cell crisis. By avoiding crowded places, patients can reduce their exposure to potential infections and help prevent crises.
Choice D reason: While avoiding caffeinated beverages is generally good advice for overall health, it is not specifically related to preventing sickle cell crises. Caffeine can cause dehydration, but the primary focus for preventing crises is maintaining proper hydration and avoiding infections.

Choice A reason:
Increasing serum potassium levels would not indicate effective therapy for a patient with Addison's disease. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating sodium and potassium balance. As a result, patients with Addison’s disease often experience hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Effective therapy typically aims to normalize potassium levels, so an increase would suggest inadequate treatment or worsening of the condition.
Choice B reason:
Decreasing blood glucose levels would not typically be seen as a positive indicator in a patient with Addison's disease. The body’s ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels is compromised in Addison’s disease due to a deficiency in cortisol. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). If blood glucose levels are decreasing, it may indicate inadequate glucocorticoid replacement therapy, suggesting the therapy is not fully effective.
Choice C reason:
Decreasing serum chloride levels would not be expected in a patient with Addison’s disease who is receiving proper treatment. Chloride is regulated alongside sodium and is influenced by aldosterone. In Addison's disease, aldosterone deficiency leads to a decreased ability to retain sodium, which in turn can affect chloride levels. However, a decrease in chloride levels alone is not a clear sign of effective therapy. Normalization of serum sodium levels is a better indicator of treatment success.
Choice D reason:
Increasing serum sodium levels is the correct finding that indicates effective therapy in a patient with Addison’s disease. In this condition, aldosterone deficiency results in sodium loss through the kidneys, leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Effective therapy, which typically involves the administration of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids (such as fludrocortisone), helps to correct this imbalance by increasing sodium retention and normalizing serum sodium levels. This would demonstrate that the current therapies are working to restore the electrolyte balance.