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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ecchymosis, or bruising, of the surrounding skin is a common finding associated with fractures due to the trauma to blood vessels in the area. While it can indicate bleeding or injury, ecchymosis itself does not specifically indicate impaired venous return.
Choice B reason:
Acute pain is a typical symptom following a fracture and results from the injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Pain is an expected finding and does not directly suggest an issue with venous return.
Choice C reason:
A bounding distal pulse may actually suggest increased arterial flow or could be a sign of other conditions such as high blood pressure or fever. It does not indicate impaired venous return, which is typically characterized by a lack of pulse or a very weak pulse.
Choice D reason:
Increasing edema, or swelling, in the affected arm is a sign of impaired venous return. When veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, leading to edema. In the context of a fracture, this could be due to compression or damage to the veins, which can impede blood flow and result in swelling.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not typically a direct complication of a cervical spinal cord injury. Polyuria can be related to other conditions such as diabetes or the use of diuretics.
Choice B reason:
A weakened gag reflex can be a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, especially if the injury affects the nerves that supply the muscles involved in swallowing. This can increase the risk of aspiration and requires careful monitoring.
Choice C reason:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common complication following a spinal cord injury due to the disruption of the autonomic pathways that control blood pressure. This condition, known as neurogenic shock, can occur in the acute phase following the injury.
Choice D reason:
Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is not a common direct complication of a cervical spinal cord injury. However, the injury can disrupt temperature regulation, leading to difficulty in either staying warm or cooling down, depending on the environment and level of injury.
Choice E reason:
An absence of bowel sounds can indicate a complication of a cervical spinal cord injury, as the injury may disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel. This can lead to ileus or bowel obstruction, which requires prompt medical attention.
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