A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a complete thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Client report of nausea
Serosanguineous drainage
Muscle twitching
Client report of incisional pain
The Correct Answer is C
C. Muscle twitching post-thyroidectomy can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication due to inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery. Hypocalcemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, including muscle twitching, tingling, or tetany.
A Nausea is a common postoperative symptom and can be caused by anesthesia, pain medications, or changes in gastrointestinal function. While uncomfortable, nausea alone is typically not an urgent concern
B Serosanguineous drainage (thin, pink-tinged fluid) from the surgical incision is expected in the early postoperative period. It indicates normal wound healing and does not usually require urgent attention
D. Routine incisional pain does not typically require urgent reporting unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Edema is expected in the initial hours and days following major burns and can be particularly pronounced in full-thickness burns due to extensive tissue damage and inflammation.

A Initially, full-thickness burns may not be as painful due to nerve damage; however, surrounding areas with partial-thickness burns or areas where nerve endings are intact can be extremely painful. The absence of severe pain at the site of full-thickness burns is common initially due to nerve damage, but pain management is crucial as inflammation progresses.
B. Full-thickness burns typically involve destruction of the entire epidermis and dermis, leading to the absence of blisters. Blisters are characteristic of partial-thickness burns, where the epidermis is partially damaged but not completely destroyed.
C. Epithelialization refers to the process of new skin cells migrating and covering the wound, a process that occurs during the later stages of wound healing. In the acute phase of full-thickness burns, epithelialization does not occur because the skin layers are completely destroyed. This process starts later once the wound has been adequately debrided and begins to heal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A Metoprolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which can lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. A heart rate of 48/min may indicate bradycardia, which can reduce cardiac output and potentially worsen symptoms in clients with heart failure.
B. Body temperature within the normal range does not indicate an adverse effect of metoprolol. Changes in temperature are not typically associated with this medication.
C. Respiratory rate within the normal range does not indicate an adverse effect of metoprolol. Respiratory changes are generally not associated with beta-blocker use.
D. Metoprolol can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) as a side effect, especially if the dosage is too high or if the client is dehydrated. However, a blood pressure of 138/76 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult and does not necessarily indicate hypotension.
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