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 should limit my intake of leafy green vegetables.": Limiting leafy green vegetables is associated with warfarin therapy because of their vitamin K content. It is not relevant to metoprolol, which primarily affects the cardiovascular system and does not interact significantly with dietary vitamin K.
B. "I may experience loss of taste.": Loss of taste is not a common side effect of metoprolol. Metoprolol is more associated with cardiovascular side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and dizziness rather than alterations in taste perception.
C. "I need to be careful when standing up from bed.": This is correct because metoprolol can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing. Clients are advised to rise slowly from a lying or seated position to reduce the risk of falls and fainting.
D. "I should expect some weight loss.": Metoprolol is more commonly associated with weight gain or no significant weight change rather than weight loss. Clients taking beta-blockers sometimes experience fluid retention or a slowed metabolism, leading to modest weight gain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. WBC count 12,000/mm³: A mild elevation in white blood cell count is expected within the first few days postpartum as part of the normal inflammatory response due to the stress of labor and delivery.. A count of 12,000/mm³ is not alarming and does not necessarily indicate infection or a complication.
B. Temperature 37.8°C (100°F): A low-grade temperature elevation within the first 24 hours postpartum is common due to hormonal shifts, dehydration, or exertion from labor. This finding would not immediately require provider notification unless it persists or rises higher.
C. Respiratory rate 16/min: A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within normal adult limits and does not suggest respiratory distress or any postpartum complication, so no intervention is required for this finding.
D. Hgb 8 g/dL: A hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is significantly low and can indicate postpartum hemorrhage or significant blood loss. This degree of anemia should be reported promptly to the provider to assess the need for interventions such as blood transfusion or iron supplementation.
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