A nurse is monitoring a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following data should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?
Temperature
Urination
Pain control
Airway patency
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Monitoring temperature is important postoperatively as it can indicate infection or inflammation. However, it is not the immediate priority following a thyroidectomy. The primary concern post-thyroidectomy is ensuring the airway is not compromised due to swelling or bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring urination is part of postoperative care to ensure kidney function and that the body is adequately eliminating fluids. While important, it is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period following a thyroidectomy.
Choice C reason:
Pain control is essential for patient comfort and recovery. However, while managing pain is a significant aspect of postoperative care, it is not the most critical priority following a thyroidectomy. The nurse must first ensure that the airway is clear.
Choice D reason:
Airway patency is the priority for monitoring a client post-thyroidectomy. Due to the proximity of the surgery to the trachea, there is a risk of swelling, hematoma, or other complications that could lead to airway obstruction. Ensuring the client has a patent airway is crucial to prevent respiratory distress or compromise.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration. The normal range is typically from 1.005 to 1.030. A specific gravity of 1.035 indicates very concentrated urine, which could be due to dehydration or other factors, but it is not specifically indicative of chronic glomerulonephritis.
Choice B reason:
Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Normal levels are approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males. A level of 7 mg/dL is significantly elevated and can indicate severe kidney dysfunction, which is consistent with chronic glomerulonephritis. This condition can lead to a decreased ability of the kidneys to filter waste, causing an accumulation of creatinine in the blood.
Choice C reason:
Creatinine clearance is a test that measures how well creatinine is removed from the blood by the kidneys. The normal range is about 95 to 120 mL/min. A clearance of 120 mL/min is within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a client with chronic glomerulonephritis, as this condition usually results in reduced kidney function.
Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Normal BUN levels are between 7 and 20 mg/dL. A BUN of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction from chronic glomerulonephritis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most common type of antibody found in blood circulation and is involved in the body's immune response to fight infections. However, IgG is not typically associated with allergic reactions, which are immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Choice B reason:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a critical role in mucosal immunity and is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract. Like IgG, IgA is not primarily responsible for the allergic response seen in conditions such as seasonal allergies.
Choice C reason:
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is usually the first antibody produced by the immune system when it detects an infection. IgM antibodies are larger and are involved in the primary immune response but are not the antibodies that mediate typical allergic reactions.
Choice D reason:
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody that plays a central role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including seasonal allergies. IgE antibodies are produced as a response to allergens and are responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction. An elevation in IgE levels typically indicates a positive result for an allergy test such as RAST.
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