The nurse has reviewed the Nurses' Notes and Vital Signs at 0900.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is most at risk for
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
- seizures: If a thyroid storm occurs, the client can experience seizures due to the extreme metabolic disturbances and nervous system overstimulation it causes. Seizures would be a serious complication indicating worsening neurological function. Therefore, the client’s risk for seizures is directly related to the risk of developing a thyroid storm after surgery.
- paralytic ileus: Paralytic ileus involves bowel inactivity post-surgery, but the client had normoactive bowel sounds before surgery and no current documentation of absent or significantly reduced bowel activity. Therefore, this is not the most immediate risk based on current findings.
- pneumonia: The client is receiving oxygen therapy and has a slightly increased respiratory rate after surgery, but no signs of labored breathing, abnormal lung sounds, or infection are reported. Although inactivity can contribute to pneumonia risk postoperatively, there are no current findings indicating that pneumonia is developing right now.
- thyroid storm: The client had a thyroidectomy after presenting with signs of severe hyperthyroidism (weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, exophthalmos, goiter) and elevated T3 and T4 levels. Thyroid storm is a critical risk after thyroidectomy due to sudden hormone release, and it can cause life-threatening complications such as high fever, hypertension, tachycardia, and altered mental status.
- bowel sounds: The bowel sounds were normal before surgery, and there is no mention of significant gastrointestinal changes postoperatively. Bowel sounds alone are not the critical factor leading to the client’s highest current risk.
- inactivity: The client is currently lethargic after surgery and under the effects of anesthesia, which reduces movement and activity. Inactivity can cause decreased lung expansion and increase the risk of pulmonary complications like pneumonia. Although this is a concern, inactivity is not the client's most critical immediate risk compared to thyroid storm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I have nosebleeds once per week.": Occasional nosebleeds are relatively common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes causing increased vascularity and congestion of the nasal passages. While the frequency should be noted, it's generally not a priority to report unless they are severe, frequent, or difficult to control.
B. "My heart feels like it skips a beat.": Palpitations can occur during pregnancy because of increased blood volume and changes in cardiovascular function. Occasional palpitations are typically benign but should be further evaluated if they become persistent or are associated with other symptoms like chest pain.
C. "I am experiencing persistent headaches.": Persistent headaches during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks gestation, can be a warning sign of preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder. Reporting this symptom immediately is critical to assess for elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and other complications.
D. "The palms of my hands are red and blotchy.": Red, blotchy palms, known as palmar erythema, are a common and harmless finding during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. It does not usually indicate any serious condition and does not require urgent reporting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I do not need to sign a consent form before this procedure.": A signed informed consent form is required before an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) because it involves the injection of contrast dye, which carries risks such as allergic reactions and kidney injury.
B. "I should limit my fluid intake for 2 days after the procedure.": Clients are encouraged to increase fluid intake after an IVP to help flush the contrast dye from their system and reduce the risk of kidney complications, not limit fluids.
C. "I will feel a warming sensation after the injection of the dye.": This statement shows understanding. It is common to feel a warm, flushing sensation or a metallic taste in the mouth shortly after the contrast dye is injected during an IVP. These effects are usually brief and harmless.
D. "I can have a meal up to 2 hours before the procedure.": Clients are typically instructed to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for a certain period, often after midnight, before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration and to ensure clear imaging. Eating close to the procedure time is not recommended.
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