Following a total thyroidectomy, the nurse plans to observe a client for complications. Which finding indicates that the client has developed a complication?

Choice A reason: Starting the collection time after emptying the bag ensures an accurate 24-hour urine sample, critical for diagnostic tests like creatinine clearance. This defines the collection period, per laboratory and diagnostic specimen collection protocols in nursing practice.

Choice B reason: Catheter care prevents infection but is not the most critical step for initiating a 24-hour collection. Starting the collection time ensures accurate timing, essential for valid results, per urinary specimen collection and infection control standards in nursing.

Choice C reason: Clamping the catheter is inappropriate, as it disrupts continuous urine flow, skewing the 24-hour collection. Starting the collection time ensures accurate sampling, critical for diagnostic accuracy, per urinary catheter management and laboratory protocols in nursing practice.

Choice D reason: Labeling the container is important but secondary to starting the collection time, which defines the 24-hour period for accurate results. Timing ensures valid diagnostic data, per specimen collection and laboratory standards in nursing practice for urine collections.

Choice A reason: Increased JVD and pedal edema indicate fluid overload in heart failure, where reduced cardiac output causes venous congestion. Assessing breathing for dyspnea or crackles detects pulmonary edema, as fluid backs into alveoli, impairing gas exchange. This urgent finding guides interventions like diuretics, critical before reporting.

Choice B reason: Palpating pedal pulses assesses arterial flow, not fluid overload causing JVD and edema, which are venous issues in heart failure. Pulses may be normal despite congestion. Breathing changes indicate pulmonary edema, a life-threatening complication, making this assessment more critical for detecting acute decompensation.

Choice C reason: Assessing calf inflammation may detect thrombosis, a heart failure risk, but JVD and edema suggest fluid overload, not clotting. Breathing changes are more urgent, indicating pulmonary edema from alveolar fluid, requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure, unlike inflammation, which is less immediate.

Choice D reason: Inspecting peripheral vein distention confirms venous congestion but is less critical than breathing assessment. In heart failure, fluid overload risks pulmonary edema, where alveolar fluid causes dyspnea. Monitoring breathing detects this severe complication, prioritizing intervention to ensure oxygenation over additional venous assessment.