The nurse has reviewed the Nurses' Notes and Vital Signs at 1200.
Which of the following 2 findings indicate that the client is experiencing a complication after the procedure?
Hoarseness
Drainage
Sensation
Vital signs
Pain assessment
Correct Answer : C,D
- Hoarseness: Mild hoarseness is a common temporary effect after thyroid surgery due to irritation or swelling near the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While it needs monitoring, slight hoarseness alone is not necessarily a sign of a serious complication if it is not worsening or associated with airway compromise.
- Drainage: A moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage from the incision site is expected after surgery. Although the drainage should continue to be monitored for increase or color change, the amount described here is not immediately concerning for a postoperative complication.
- Sensation: The client reports tingling in the fingers, which suggests hypocalcemia due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery. Hypocalcemia is a serious complication of thyroidectomy that can progress to muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures if untreated.
- Vital signs: The client’s rising temperature, tachycardia, hypertension, and increased respiratory rate are concerning for a developing thyroid storm, a rare but life-threatening complication after thyroid surgery. These vital signs warrant immediate intervention to prevent rapid deterioration.
- Pain assessment: A pain score of 3 out of 10 is mild and expected following surgery. This level of discomfort is manageable and not indicative of a major complication, provided it does not rapidly escalate or localize severely around the surgical site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who has hearing loss with a friend interpreting: A friend interpreting does not meet the legal standards for ensuring accurate communication during informed consent. A licensed medical interpreter should be used to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure that the client fully understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure before consenting.
B. A client who has not spoken with the provider yet: Informed consent requires that the provider explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives directly to the client. Without this discussion, the client lacks the necessary information to make an educated decision and cannot legally or ethically provide informed consent.
C. A 15-year-old client whose caregiver is not at the bedside: Minors generally cannot give legal informed consent without a parent or legal guardian present, unless specific exceptions apply (such as for emancipated minors). A 15-year-old without their caregiver present does not meet the criteria for giving valid informed consent for surgical procedures.
D. A married 16-year-old client accompanied by their spouse: A married minor is considered emancipated in most jurisdictions and can legally make healthcare decisions, including providing informed consent. Their marital status grants them the legal autonomy needed to consent to medical treatments without requiring parental involvement.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "The client in room 204 received some pain medicine earlier today": This statement is vague and nonspecific, lacking essential information such as the type of pain medication, dose, timing, and client response. Change-of-shift reports require clear, detailed, and actionable information to ensure continuity of care.
B. "The client in room 205 has had several visitors today": Information about visitors is generally not relevant to clinical care unless it impacts the client's condition. Reporting should focus on clinical updates, treatments, medications, or changes in the client’s status that require attention from the incoming nurse.
C. "The client in room 204 has a new prescription for gentamicin": This statement provides important clinical information regarding a change in the medication regimen. It alerts the next nurse to monitor for potential side effects, such as nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, associated with gentamicin use.
D. "The client in room 203 will undergo surgery at 0900 tomorrow": Communicating scheduled surgeries is critical for planning preoperative care, ensuring that preoperative checklists are completed, and managing fasting requirements. It allows the next shift to prepare the client properly and coordinate care.
E. "The client in room 205 is scheduled for a dressing change at 1800": Including scheduled treatments like dressing changes ensures that important interventions are completed on time. It also helps the incoming nurse prioritize tasks and manage the shift effectively to meet the client’s care needs.
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