A nurse is caring for a client who is crying after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale:

• "Use sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light." Exophthalmos from Graves' disease can persist even after thyroidectomy. Sunglasses help reduce photophobia and protect protruding eyes from dryness and injury.

• "Continue eating foods with protein." Protein is essential for wound healing and energy. Postoperative hypermetabolic states can also increase protein needs, so adequate intake supports recovery.

• "You need to support your neck when coughing or moving." Neck support prevents strain on the surgical site and reduces the risk of wound dehiscence or hematoma formation during activities that increase intrathoracic pressure.

• "Remain on bedrest for 3 to 5 days following discharge." Prolonged bedrest is not recommended post-thyroidectomy. Early ambulation reduces risk of complications such as pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis and supports normal recovery.

• "You will no longer need to take any medications for your thyroid now that you have had surgery." Total or subtotal thyroidectomy often results in hypothyroidism, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (e.g., levothyroxine). Medication needs depend on the amount of thyroid tissue removed.

Rationale:

A. "I will follow a full-liquid diet the day before the procedure.": Clients are typically instructed to follow a clear-liquid, not full-liquid, diet the day before a colonoscopy. Clear liquids like broth, gelatin, and clear juice help ensure the colon is clean for optimal visualization.

B. "I'll have my friend drive me home after the procedure.": Sedation is usually administered during a colonoscopy, which impairs alertness and coordination. Having a responsible adult to drive the client home is necessary and reflects appropriate understanding of post-procedure safety.

C. "I can expect rectal bleeding for a week after the procedure”: Rectal bleeding after a colonoscopy is not expected and could indicate complications such as a perforation or polyp removal site bleeding. Any persistent or heavy bleeding should be reported immediately.

D. "This procedure will take place while I’m under general anesthesia.”: Colonoscopies are generally performed under moderate (conscious) sedation, not general anesthesia. Clients remain semi-awake but relaxed and unaware, making this statement inaccurate.