A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following implementations should the nurse recommend?
Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck.
Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available.
Place the client in a side-lying position.
Check the client for asterixis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck. This is an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy, which is a surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland. The nurse should check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck because this is where blood can pool and go unnoticed. Bleeding can cause hematoma, compression of the airway, and respiratory distress.
Choice B: Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Acetylcysteine IV is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, which can cause liver damage, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
Choice C: Place the client in a side-lying position. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse should place the client in a semi-Fowler’s position, which is a position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This position can facilitate breathing, reduce edema, and prevent aspiration.
Choice D: Check the client for asterixis. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Asterixis is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition caused by liver failure, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Measure the tube for insertion from the tip of the nose to the umbilicus. This is not an intervention that the nurse should take when inserting a nasogastric tube. The nurse should measure the tube for insertion from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and then to the xiphoid process, which is a more accurate way of estimating the length of the tube needed to reach the stomach.
Choice B: Place the client in a supine position. This is not an intervention that the nurse should take when inserting a nasogastric tube. The nurse should place the client in a high-Fowler’s position, which is a position with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees. This position can prevent aspiration, promote breathing, and allow gravity to assist with the insertion of the tube.
Choice C: Withdraw the tube if the client gags during insertion. This is not an intervention that the nurse should take when inserting a nasogastric tube. The nurse should not withdraw the tube if the client gags during insertion, as this can cause trauma to the nasal or pharyngeal mucosa and increase discomfort. The nurse should pause and allow the client to rest and breathe until gagging subsides, then resume insertion. The nurse should also provide reassurance and encouragement to the client throughout the procedure.
Choice D: Instruct the client to place his chin to his chest and swallow. This is an intervention that the nurse should take when inserting a nasogastric tube, which is a flexible tube that is inserted through the nose and into the stomach. The nurse should instruct the client to place his chin to his chest and swallow as the tube passes through the pharynx and into the esophagus. This can facilitate the insertion of the tube and prevent it from entering the trachea or causing injury to the nasal or pharyngeal mucosa.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Faty stools. This is a finding that is expected for a client who has obstruction and inflammation of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis, which is the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, where it helps digest fats. If the common bile duct is obstructed by a gallstone, bile cannot reach the duodenum and fats cannot be properly absorbed. This results in fatty stools, which are also known as steatorrhea. Fatty stools are pale, bulky, greasy, and foul-smelling.
Choice B: Ecchymosis of the extremities. This is not a finding that is expected for a client who has obstruction and inflammation of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis. Ecchymosis of the extremities is a sign of bleeding under the skin, which can be caused by trauma, coagulation disorders, or medications. It is not related to bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Choice C: Straw-colored urine. This is not a finding that is expected for a client who has obstruction and inflammation of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis. Straw-coloured urine is a normal colour of urine, which indicates adequate hydration and kidney function. It is not affected by bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Choice D: Tenderness in the left upper abdomen. This is not a finding that is expected for a client who has obstruction and inflammation of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen is a sign of splenomegaly, which is an enlargement of the spleen due to infection, inflammation, or cancer. It is not related to bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
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