A family brought their 3-week-old infant to the hospital by ambulance after having a seizure at home.

The baby received phenytoin in the ambulance and arrived at the hospital on 1 L/minute oxygen with a 22-gauge peripheral IV line in the left saphenous vein.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.

Choice A rationale
Anticipating and monitoring for hypothermia is the most crucial nursing intervention to include in the care plan for a patient who is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy. The thyroid gland plays a significant role in regulating the body’s metabolism, including temperature regulation. After a thyroidectomy, the body may struggle to regulate temperature, leading to hypothermia. The nurse should monitor the patient’s temperature regularly and provide warming measures as needed.

Choice B rationale
Preparing to administer radioactive iodine treatments is not the most crucial intervention at this time. Radioactive iodine is typically used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, not as an immediate post-operative intervention.

Choice C rationale
Resuming antithyroid drug therapy is not the most crucial intervention at this time. Antithyroid drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism, and their use would need to be evaluated based on the reason for the thyroidectomy and the patient’s post-operative thyroid hormone levels.

Choice D rationale
Maintaining a semi-Fowler position can be beneficial for comfort and respiratory function post-operatively, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should assist the patient to a comfortable position and encourage regular deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory complications.

Choice A rationale
Ignoring the behavior and proceeding with the IV antibiotic administration is not the best course of action. This would be an invasion of the patient’s privacy and could potentially lead to legal issues. It is important to respect the patient’s privacy and dignity at all times.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the patient to cease the inappropriate behavior is not the best course of action. While the behavior is inappropriate, it is not the nurse’s place to reprimand the patient. This could lead to a breakdown in the nurse-patient relationship and could potentially escalate the situation.
Choice C rationale
Exiting the room and closing the door quietly is the best course of action. This respects the patient’s privacy and allows the patient and visitor to finish their activity. The nurse can then return at a later time to administer the IV antibiotic.
Choice D rationale
Filling out an unusual occurrence report is not necessary in this situation. While the behavior is inappropriate, it is not an unusual occurrence that requires reporting. The nurse should handle the situation professionally and with discretion.