A client receives new prescriptions at 1000 that include discontinuing IV fluids and IV antibiotics. Which prescription should the practical nurse (PN) administer at 1300?

A. Asking the client about previous catheterizations is part of assessment, but it is not the priority when the catheter size and balloon volume may be inappropriate for the client. Safety and appropriateness must be confirmed first.

B. The #18 catheter with a 30 mL balloon is larger than typically recommended for a female client, especially one weighing 50 kg. The PN should consult the charge nurse before proceeding to ensure the correct catheter size and balloon volume are used to prevent urethral trauma.

C. Obtaining the syringe and sterile water is necessary for insertion but is not the first step if the catheter itself may be unsafe for the client. Ensuring correct equipment comes first.

D. Positioning the client and observing the urinary meatus is part of the procedure but should not be done before confirming that the catheter size and balloon volume are appropriate.

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.