A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total thyroidectomy.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is at highest risk for developing

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evidenced by the

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.

A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to manage their blood glucose levels and administer insulin at home.

B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is beneficial, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin dose accordingly.

C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is essential, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which can have serious complications.

D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the priority. The nurse should teach the client about the types, actions, doses, and administration times of insulin, as well as how to store and dispose of it safely.

A. Bowel sounds are hypoactive in all four quadrants, which is expected after an appendectomy due to anesthesia and decreased peristalsis. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.

B. Oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This could indicate impaired gas exchange, respiratory depression, or infection. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.

C. Nausea is a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.

D. Vomiting is also a common side effect of morphine and anesthesia, and can be managed with antiemetics and fluids. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it persists or interferes with oral intake.

E. Pain level is 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is moderate pain. The client received morphine as prescribed at 1815, and the pain level should be reassessed after 30 minutes. This is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless the pain is unrelieved or increases.

- F. Heart rate is 110/min, which is above the normal range of 60 to 100/min. This could indicate pain, anxiety, dehydration, infection, or bleeding. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider.

- G. Incision characteristics are clean and dry, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any signs of infection are present.

- H. Lungs sounds are clear on auscultation, which is expected after an appendectomy. However, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. This is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider if any abnormal lung sounds are heard such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds.