The nurse is caring for a client after a total thyroidectomy. The nurse's priority should be to:
Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours, with her neck in a flexed position.
Maintain the client in a Fowler's position, with head neutral supported by pillows.
Maintain the client in a supine position, with sandbags placed on either side of her head and neck.
Encourage the client to turn head side to side, to promote drainage of oral secretions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours, with her neck in a flexed position, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or damage to the surgical site.
Choice B Reason: Maintaining the client in a Fowler's position, with head neutral supported by pillows, is a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it helps to reduce swelling and edema, prevent airway obstruction, and promote venous drainage.
Choice C Reason: Maintaining the client in a supine position, with sandbags placed on either side of her head and neck, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may impair breathing and circulation, increase pressure on the surgical site, and cause neck stiffness.
Choice D Reason: Encouraging the client to turn head side to side, to promote drainage of oral secretions, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may cause pain and discomfort, disrupt the sutures or drains, and increase the risk of infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: If I feel nervous or have tremors, I should not only take half the dose, but I should contact my healthcare provider, as these may indicate signs of overdose or hyperthyroidism.
Choice B Reason: I cannot expect diarrhea, insomnia, and excessive sweating, but these are possible side effects of overdose or hyperthyroidism.
Choice C Reason: I need to call my healthcare provider if my heart rate becomes fast, as this may indicate a serious adverse reaction or overdose of levothyroxine sodium.
Choice D Reason: I should not take the medication in the evening, but in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast, as this ensures better absorption and prevents insomnia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Contacting the health care provider is the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it indicates that the client may have compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and nerve damage.
Choice B Reason: Administering PRN pain medication is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may not relieve the pain and may mask the symptoms of compartment syndrome.
Choice C Reason: Documenting the findings is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may delay the treatment and worsen the outcome of compartment syndrome.
Choice D Reason: Elevating the extremity is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may decrease blood flow and increase tissue ischemia in compartment syndrome.
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