The nurse is assessing a post-op thyroidectomy patient for bleeding. Which finding would indicate bleeding at the surgical site?
Complaints of pain at the incision
Increased blood pressure
Decreased white blood cell count
Presence of blood on the pillow behind the patient
The Correct Answer is D
A. While pain can occur post-operatively and may be a sign of complications, it is not a direct indicator of bleeding. Pain can result from normal healing, surgical trauma, or other complications, but by itself, it does not specifically point to bleeding at the surgical site.
B. An increased blood pressure might not necessarily indicate bleeding. In some cases, blood pressure may increase due to pain, anxiety, or other factors. However, a significant drop in blood pressure would be more indicative of bleeding, especially in conjunction with other symptoms.
C. A decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia) is not typically associated with bleeding at the surgical site. In fact, following surgery, one might expect the white blood cell count to be normal or slightly elevated due to the body’s response to surgery.
D. This finding is indicative of bleeding at the surgical site. Blood on the pillow would suggest that there is active bleeding that has escaped from the surgical site, which is a significant concern that requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is a valid consideration. Patients receiving radioactive iodine may emit radiation, so placing them in a private room can help minimize exposure to family members and staff. Isolation may be more strictly enforced based on the dose administered and hospital protocols.
B. This is generally not required for radioactive iodine treatment. Patients are often advised to have a low-iodine diet in the weeks leading up to treatment, but complete fasting for 24 hours prior is not standard practice. Clear instructions from the healthcare provider should be followed regarding diet.
C. This is typically not a requirement. While some patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities immediately after treatment, there is no strict guideline stating that all physical activity must be avoided for 72 hours. Patients are usually encouraged to follow normal activities while being mindful of minimizing close contact with others.
D. This statement is generally incorrect. While certain medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before radioactive iodine treatment (for instance, thyroid medications), it’s not a blanket recommendation to stop all medications for a week. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding their specific medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 1500 is 8 hours after 0700, which is too long for the remaining fluid to last.
B. 1200 is 5 hours after 0700, which means there would still be fluid left in the bag at this time.
C. 1100 is exactly 4 hours after 0700, which aligns with our calculation of when the remaining 500 mL will be finished.
D. 0200 is 19 hours after 0700, which is far too late for the IV fluid to last.
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