A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.

A nurse is reviewing the client's electronic medical record. Which of the following findings on day 7 require further action? Select all that apply.

A. A client who is displaying aggression: Using a gait belt on an aggressive client is unsafe because sudden movements or resistance could lead to injury for both the client and the caregiver. Aggressive behavior requires de-escalation strategies before considering physical assistance or mobility interventions like a gait belt.

B. A client who has had chest trauma: Gait belts should be avoided in clients with chest trauma because the pressure applied around the torso can exacerbate injuries such as rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, or other thoracic complications, posing significant health risks during mobilization.

C. A client who has limited arm strength: A gait belt is appropriate for clients with limited arm strength because it provides secure support around the waist without requiring the client to rely heavily on their upper limbs. It allows for safer ambulation and transfer by offering the caregiver a firm point of control.

D. A client who has a thoracic incision: Applying a gait belt over or near a thoracic incision can interfere with wound healing, cause pain, and increase the risk of wound dehiscence. Alternative methods for assisting mobility should be used for clients with fresh surgical sites in the thoracic region.

• Hoarseness: Mild hoarseness is a common temporary effect after thyroid surgery due to irritation or swelling near the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While it needs monitoring, slight hoarseness alone is not necessarily a sign of a serious complication if it is not worsening or associated with airway compromise.
• Drainage: A moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage from the incision site is expected after surgery. Although the drainage should continue to be monitored for increase or color change, the amount described here is not immediately concerning for a postoperative complication.
• Sensation: The client reports tingling in the fingers, which suggests hypocalcemia due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery. Hypocalcemia is a serious complication of thyroidectomy that can progress to muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures if untreated.
• Vital signs: The client’s rising temperature, tachycardia, hypertension, and increased respiratory rate are concerning for a developing thyroid storm, a rare but life-threatening complication after thyroid surgery. These vital signs warrant immediate intervention to prevent rapid deterioration.
• Pain assessment: A pain score of 3 out of 10 is mild and expected following surgery. This level of discomfort is manageable and not indicative of a major complication, provided it does not rapidly escalate or localize severely around the surgical site.