While assessing a patient who has just arrived in the post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) after a thyroidectomy, the nurse obtains this data. Which is the most important to communicate to the surgeon?

The patient’s voice is weak and hoarse sounding.

The patient is complaining of a 7/10 incisional pain.

The patient’s cardiac monitor shows a heart rate of 112.

The patient is increasingly swelling at the neck.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

This is a critical finding that could indicate bleeding or compromised airway, both of which are potentially life-threatening complications following a thyroidectomy. Immediate intervention may be necessary to prevent further harm to the patient. The other options are important to note and should be addressed, but they do not require immediate intervention as the swelling in the neck does.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and dysrhythmias related to hypokalemia are the main reasons for initiating cardiac monitoring in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. In diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin deficiency causes the body to break down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones and resulting in metabolic acidosis. In addition, glucose and potassium are lost in the urine due to osmotic diuresis. Hypokalemia can cause ECG changes and dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening.

Hypokalemia is a common complication of DKA and can lead to ECG changes such as ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion, and U waves².

Hypovolemic shock related to osmotic diuresis is an important consideration in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the primary reason for initiating cardiac monitoring.

Cardiovascular collapse resulting from the eﬀects of hyperglycemia is not a common complication of diabetic ketoacidosis, and it is not the primary reason for initiating cardiac monitoring.

Fluid overload resulting from aggressive ﬂuid replacement is a potential complication of diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the primary reason for initiating cardiac monitoring.

A. Breath sounds. B. abdominal girth. C. Bowel sounds. D. Apical pulse.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

GERD can increase the risk of aspiration (inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs), which can cause respiratory issues, including abnormal breath sounds. In these cases, monitoring of breath sounds may be more appropriate than monitoring of bowel sounds.

Bowel sounds are not typically monitored for GERD patients as GERD is a condition that aﬀects the esophagus and the stomach, not the intestines. GERD is caused by the reﬂux of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.

Abdominal girth is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not typically related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that aﬀects the esophagus and stomach and does not typically cause significant changes in abdominal size or girth. In rare cases, GERD can be complicated by a condition known as a para oesophageal hernia, which can cause a visible bulge in the abdomen. In these cases, monitoring of abdominal size and shape may be necessary.

The apical pulse is not routinely monitored for GERD patients as it is not directly related to the condition. GERD is a disorder that aﬀects the digestive system, specifically the esophagus and stomach and does not typically have an impact on heart rate or rhythm.

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While assessing a patient who has just arrived in the post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) after a thyroidectomy, the nurse obtains this data. Which is the most important to communicate to the surgeon?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Cardiac monitoring is initiated for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. The nurse determines that this measure is important to identify:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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