During thyroid surgery, the client's parathyroid glands have been damaged. Which condition does the nurse expect the client to develop?
Thyroid cancer
Goiter
Graves' disease
Tetany
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Thyroid cancer involves malignant thyroid growth, not a consequence of parathyroid damage during surgery, which affects calcium, not cancer risk.
Choice B reason: Goiter is thyroid enlargement from iodine issues or hyperplasia, unrelated to parathyroid damage, which controls calcium, not thyroid size.
Choice C reason: Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, results from autoantibodies, not parathyroid injury, which causes hypocalcemia, not thyroid hormone excess.
Choice D reason: Parathyroid damage reduces PTH, dropping calcium levels, leading to tetany—muscle spasms from hypocalcemia, a direct surgical complication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Untreated hypothyroidism progresses to myxedema, a severe state with slowed metabolism causing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and hair loss from low thyroid hormone.
Choice B reason: Hypocalcemia results from hypoparathyroidism, not hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, not calcium regulation directly, so it’s unrelated to these symptoms.
Choice C reason: Pericarditis may occur in severe hypothyroidism late, but it’s not the primary complication; myxedema encompasses the broader metabolic decline seen here.
Choice D reason: Thyroid crisis (storm) is a hyperthyroid emergency with fever and tachycardia, opposite to hypothyroidism’s slow symptoms like coldness and fatigue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: 150 mL NG drainage in 8 hours is low for obstruction, suggesting stability; it’s less urgent than respiratory compromise in other clients.
Choice B reason: Respiratory rate 26 and 90% saturation indicate distress in ascites, but crackles suggest fluid overload, less acute than pancreatitis’s pulmonary risk.
Choice C reason: Decreased breath sounds and crackles in pancreatitis signal pleural effusion or ARDS, a life-threatening complication, prioritizing immediate respiratory assessment.
Choice D reason: BP 92/45 with stable varices is concerning but not acutely unstable without bleeding signs, less critical than respiratory failure in pancreatitis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
