A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following items should the nurse place at the client’s bedside?

Rationale:

A. Encourage client to swallow while advancing tube: Swallowing facilitates the passage of the nasogastric tube through the oropharynx and esophagus by closing the epiglottis and reducing the risk of the tube entering the trachea. This action helps guide the tube smoothly into the stomach.

B. Measure the length of the tube from client's nose to shoulder: Proper measurement involves extending the tube from the nose to the earlobe and then down to the xiphoid process, not just to the shoulder.

C. Place client in semi-Fowler's position in bed: The client should be placed in a high-Fowler’s position, not semi-Fowler’s, to promote comfort and reduce the risk of aspiration. This upright position also allows for easier passage of the tube through the upper GI tract.

D. Advance tube during client's inspiration: Advancing the tube during inspiration increases the risk of the tube entering the airway rather than the esophagus. The tube should be advanced when the client is swallowing, which helps direct it into the digestive rather than respiratory tract.

Rationale:

• Chronic respiratory infections: A positive sweat chloride test confirms cystic fibrosis, a condition characterized by thick mucus that obstructs airways, leading to persistent cough, wheezing, and a high risk of recurrent lung infections due to impaired mucus clearance.

• Malabsorption: Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas by blocking enzyme flow needed for digestion. This results in poor nutrient absorption, causing symptoms like excessive hunger, weight loss despite eating well, and abdominal distension, all of which are evident in this child.

• Bone marrow failure: There are no signs of pancytopenia, anemia, or infection susceptibility that would suggest bone marrow dysfunction. Cystic fibrosis does not typically impact hematopoietic function directly.

• Hypernatremia: Although cystic fibrosis can lead to salt imbalances due to abnormal chloride transport, hypernatremia is not commonly a presenting concern unless there's severe dehydration, which is not evident here.

• Excessive weight gain: The child is losing weight despite increased appetite. Malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency prevents weight gain in cystic fibrosis, making excessive weight gain an unlikely risk.