A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at highest risk for developing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
The client is at highest risk for developing hypocalcemia as evidenced by the total calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (normal range 9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL).
Explanation:
After a total thyroidectomy, there is a risk of hypocalcemia due to potential damage or removal of the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. The laboratory result indicating a total calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL, which is below the normal range, supports this risk. Hypocalcemia can lead to symptoms such as tingling, muscle cramps, or more severe complications like cardiac arrhythmias if not addressed promptly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- Urinary output is an important indicator of fluid balance and kidney function. After delivery, a woman may experience increased urinary output due to the loss of excess fluid that was retained during pregnancy and the diuretic effect of oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding. This is a normal and expected finding in the postpartum period.
- However, increased urinary output may also be a sign of urinary retention, which is the inability to empty the bladder completely. Urinary retention can occur due to trauma to the bladder or urethra during delivery, swelling or hematoma of the perineum, epidural anesthesia, or decreased bladder sensation.Urinary retention can lead to complications such as infection, bladder distension, or postpartum hemorrhage.
- Therefore, when a woman who delivered a normal newborn 24 hours ago reports that she seems to be urinating every hour or so, the practical nurse (PN) should measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder. This will help to assess the amount and quality of urine and the presence or absence of bladder distension. A normal urine output is about 30 ml per hour, and a normal bladder should feel soft and empty after voiding. If the urine output is low or high, or if the bladder feels firm or full after voiding, the PN should report these findings to the primary healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer, while options A, C, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because catheterizing the client for residual urine volume is an invasive procedure that should only be done if indicated by the primary healthcare provider.
Option C is incorrect because evaluating for normal involution and massaging the fundus are related to uterine function, not urinary function.
Option D is incorrect because obtaining a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity is not necessary unless there are signs of infection, such as fever, dysuria, or foul-smelling urine.
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