A patient is admitted with a subtotal thyroidectomy. She is returned to the surgical unit after a short stay in the post anesthesia care unit. She is receiving fluids intravenously. When this patient has completely recovered from anesthesia, and her vital signs are stable, which position would be most appropriate for her?
Fowler's
Trendelenburg
Supine
Prone
The Correct Answer is A
A. Fowler's: Fowler's position (sitting or semi-sitting) position helps reduce swelling in the neck area, facilitates breathing, and promotes comfort. It also helps in the prevention of respiratory distress due to potential swelling around the surgical site.
B. Trendelenburg: Trendelenburg position (head down, feet elevated) is typically used for shock or hypotension, but it is not appropriate for a patient recovering from thyroid surgery. It can increase pressure on the neck and exacerbate swelling.
C. Supine: Lying flat on the back (supine) is not recommended post-thyroidectomy as it can lead to neck swelling and compromise the airway. It is better to keep the patient in a more elevated position to reduce the risk of respiratory distress.
D. Prone: The prone position (lying on the stomach) is not appropriate after thyroid surgery, as it could place unnecessary pressure on the neck and surgical site, potentially hindering recovery and breathing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Extreme thirst and excessive urination: These are signs of hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not an insulin overdose. Insulin overdose typically causes hypoglycemia, not elevated blood sugar, which presents differently.
B. Abdominal pain and nausea: Abdominal pain and nausea are more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or gastroparesis rather than an insulin overdose. These symptoms are not the typical early signs of hypoglycemia caused by too much insulin.
C. Dyspnea, pallor, and ketones in the urine: These are also symptoms associated with DKA, which is a complication of insulin deficiency, not an insulin overdose. In DKA, blood sugar is high, not low, and ketones are present in the urine.
D. Perspiration and a trembling sensation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from an insulin overdose often leads to symptoms like sweating, trembling, shakiness, and dizziness. These are early warning signs that the blood glucose is too low and insulin needs adjustment.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. "Eat foods high in vitamins such as apples, pears, and oranges.": There is no specific dietary restriction related to vitamins following radioactive iodine therapy. The primary focus should be on radiation precautions and post-treatment care, not on specific food choices.
B. "Wash your clothing separate from others in the household.": Sarah should wash her clothes separately from others to minimize exposure to radiation. Radioactive iodine can be excreted in sweat, and separation helps reduce exposure to family members.
C. "Do not share utensils, plates, and cups with anyone else.": After receiving radioactive iodine therapy, Sarah should avoid sharing utensils, plates, and cups to limit potential exposure to radioactive material. This helps reduce the risk of radiation contamination.
D. "You can play with your children for 1 hour each day.": Direct contact with others, especially children, should be minimized after radioactive iodine therapy. Sarah should avoid close contact with children and others to minimize exposure to radiation.
E. "Flush the toilet at least 3 times after each use.": To reduce radiation exposure, Sarah should flush the toilet at least three times after each use to ensure that radioactive iodine is effectively cleared from the system. This helps prevent contamination of shared bathroom areas.
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