While caring for a client one day following a thyroidectomy, the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's voice is hoarse. What action should the PN take?
Notify the unit charge nurse of the finding.
Administer humidified oxygen per nasal cannula.
Obtain a cup of ice chips for the client.
Ensure that the drainage device is compressed.
The Correct Answer is A
Hoarseness or voice changes after thyroidectomy can be indicative of injury or irritation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is responsible for controlling the vocal cords. This is a potential complication of the surgery and should be reported to the charge nurse or healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
B. Administer humidified oxygen per nasal cannula: This option is not appropriate for addressing hoarseness in a client following a thyroidectomy. Hoarseness after a thyroidectomy is typically related to vocal cord injury or irritation, and providing humidified oxygen would not directly address this issue. It is important to notify the charge nurse or healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
C. Obtain a cup of ice chips for the client: Providing ice chips is not the appropriate action for hoarseness following a thyroidectomy. Ice chips are typically used to provide hydration and comfort to clients, but they do not directly address the underlying cause of hoarseness, which in this case may be vocal cord injury or irritation. It is important to notify the charge nurse or healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.
D. Ensure that the drainage device is compressed: While ensuring proper compression of a drainage device is important for preventing complications such as bleeding or infection, it is not directly related to the client's hoarseness. Hoarseness after a thyroidectomy is more likely related to vocal cord injury or irritation, and notifying the charge nurse or healthcare provider is necessary for further assessment and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
After a hip arthroplasty with prosthesis placement, it is important to follow specific precautions to protect the surgical site and prevent dislocation of the hip joint. One common precaution is to avoid excessive internal rotation, adduction, and f
The other observations mentioned in the scenario are correct and demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the turning procedure:
A. Placing an abduction pillow between the client's legs helps maintain proper alignment and prevents adduction of the legs, which can cause hip dislocation.
C. Keeping the back straight and knees bent when moving the client promotes proper body mechanics and reduces the risk of injury to the UAPs.
D. Using a turning sheet under the client for turning and repositioning helps reduce friction and shearing forces, making the process safer and more comfortable for the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Document the client's loss of memory in the record.
While it's important to document changes in a patient's condition, this should not be the first action. The confusion might be temporary and due to the new environment. It's crucial to first address the patient's immediate needs.
Choice B: Remind the client what day of the week it is.
This is the best action to take. The patient is likely experiencing "relocation stress syndrome," which can cause confusion and disorientation in a new environment. Reminding her of the day can help reorient her and alleviate her confusion.
Choice C: Encourage the client to rest during the day.
While rest is important, it doesn't directly address the patient's confusion about the day of the week. Furthermore, excessive daytime sleep can disrupt the patient's sleep-wake cycle and potentially exacerbate confusion.
Choice D: Notify the family of the change in the client's condition.
While it's important to keep the family informed, this should not be the first action. The nurse should first address the patient's confusion and monitor her to see if the confusion persists or improves.
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