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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Keeping scissors at the bedside is the most important safety intervention for this client, as it allows for quick removal of the tube in case of airway obstruction or bleeding.
Choice B Reason: Providing good mouth care is an important intervention for this client, but it is not the most important, as it helps to prevent oral infections and discomfort.
Choice C Reason: Deflating the balloon on a regular basis is not an appropriate intervention for this client, as it may cause bleeding or displacement of the tube.
Choice D Reason: Monitoring IV fluid intake is an important intervention for this client, but it is not the most important, as it helps to prevent fluid overload or dehydration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Determining the client's calcium level is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it may indicate hypocalcemia, which is a possible complication of thyroidectomy due to accidental removal or damage of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, or tetany.
Choice B Reason: Monitoring the client's peripheral pulses is not the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it does not address the cause of muscle spasms or provide any relief.
Choice C Reason: Administering IV normal saline solution is not the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it does not correct hypocalcemia or prevent further complications.
Choice D Reason: Giving the client an oral potassium supplement is not the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it may worsen hypocalcemia or cause hyperkalemia, which can affect cardiac function and muscle contraction.
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