A nurse is planning care for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The client is receiving continuous bladder irrigation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason:
A tingling sensation is not the primary concern when planning preoperative teaching for an amputation due to a severe gangrenous infection. While some patients may experience tingling due to nerve damage or as part of phantom limb sensation, the focus of preoperative teaching should be on managing pain and understanding the recovery process.

Choice B reason:
Telling a patient that their pain will gradually become less severe may be misleading. Post-amputation, patients often experience significant pain, including phantom limb pain, which can be intense and challenging to manage. Preoperative teaching should set realistic expectations about postoperative pain and its management.

Choice C reason:
Phantom pain is a real phenomenon experienced by many amputees, where they feel pain in the amputated limb as if it were still there. It is not merely psychological but has physiological underpinnings related to the nerves and brain's interpretation of signals. Preoperative teaching should include information about phantom limb pain, its potential occurrence, and strategies for managing it.

Choice D reason:
It is unrealistic to suggest that the pain will disappear soon after the amputation. Recovery from an amputation can be a lengthy process, and pain management is a critical component. Patients need to be prepared for the possibility of ongoing pain and the need for pain management strategies postoperatively.

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.