The nurse has reviewed the Vital Signs at 1000.
Administer aspirin for fever
Apply cooling blanket
Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
Place client on telemetry
Palpate thyroid area to assess for hematoma
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Rationale:
• Administer aspirin for fever: Aspirin can increase circulating thyroid hormones by displacing T4 and T3 from protein-binding sites. In a hyperthyroid or recently post-thyroidectomy patient, this may precipitate or worsen a thyroid storm. Acetaminophen is a safer antipyretic choice.
• Apply cooling blanket: The client’s postoperative fever (38.3°C), elevated heart rate (98/min), and history of hyperthyroidism indicate a risk for thyroid storm. External cooling is a supportive measure to manage hyperthermia during this critical period.
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hours: This is anticipated to detect signs of complications such as thyroid storm, hemorrhage, or airway compromise. Postoperative clients require close observation to identify early changes in temperature, pulse, or respiration.
• Place client on telemetry: Cardiac monitoring is essential after thyroidectomy in clients with a history of hyperthyroidism. Increased metabolic demand, fever, and potential for arrhythmias justify continuous cardiac observation.
• Palpate thyroid area to assess for hematoma: A neck hematoma is a potentially life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery. It can lead to airway obstruction. Palpation and inspection for swelling or firmness around the incision site are critical nursing assessments.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
• Examine the client's nail beds: Assessing nail beds for cyanosis provides visual clues of hypoxia. This is a noninvasive, rapid method to evaluate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The client's saturations are borderline low despite increasing oxygen.
• Place the client in the supine position: The supine position can reduce lung expansion and worsen hypoxia, especially after sedation. Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and better diaphragmatic movement.
• Encourage client to perform deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing helps expand alveoli and improves oxygen exchange. It may reduce the need for higher oxygen delivery if the hypoxia is due to shallow respirations after sedation.
• Prepare to administer oxygen via Venturi face mask: The client's O₂ saturation is dropping despite nasal cannula at 5 L/min. A Venturi mask delivers a more precise and consistent oxygen concentration, making it appropriate here.
• Add a humidifier to the oxygen device: Humidification is generally needed for oxygen above 4 L/min over long durations. This client has only been on oxygen for a short time post-procedure, so humidification is not urgently required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Anger: Anger is typically characterized by blaming others, expressing frustration, or resentment toward the situation, self, or those perceived to be responsible. It often follows denial and precedes bargaining in the stages of grief.
B. Bargaining: The statement "If only I had another day with them" reflects bargaining, a grief stage where individuals dwell on what could have been done differently to prevent the loss. This often includes hypothetical thinking or “what if” scenarios as a way to cope with the pain.
C. Denial: Denial involves refusing to accept the reality of the loss. It may manifest as disbelief or numbness, rather than expressing a desire to have more time or change past events, as seen in this client’s statement.
D. Depression: Depression in grief involves deep sadness, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness. While the client may be experiencing sorrow, the focus on "if only" thinking indicates bargaining more than the full emotional weight of depression.
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