The nurse has reviewed the Nurses' Notes and Vital Signs at 1200.
Which of the following 2 findings indicate that the client is experiencing a complication after the procedure?
Hoarseness
Drainage
Sensation
Vital signs
Pain assessment
Correct Answer : C,D
- Hoarseness: Mild hoarseness is a common temporary effect after thyroid surgery due to irritation or swelling near the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While it needs monitoring, slight hoarseness alone is not necessarily a sign of a serious complication if it is not worsening or associated with airway compromise.
- Drainage: A moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage from the incision site is expected after surgery. Although the drainage should continue to be monitored for increase or color change, the amount described here is not immediately concerning for a postoperative complication.
- Sensation: The client reports tingling in the fingers, which suggests hypocalcemia due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery. Hypocalcemia is a serious complication of thyroidectomy that can progress to muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures if untreated.
- Vital signs: The client’s rising temperature, tachycardia, hypertension, and increased respiratory rate are concerning for a developing thyroid storm, a rare but life-threatening complication after thyroid surgery. These vital signs warrant immediate intervention to prevent rapid deterioration.
- Pain assessment: A pain score of 3 out of 10 is mild and expected following surgery. This level of discomfort is manageable and not indicative of a major complication, provided it does not rapidly escalate or localize severely around the surgical site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Disposes of contaminated sheets in a linen bag: Contaminated linens should be placed in a designated leak-proof bag, often specifically marked for contaminated items. Simply disposing of them in a regular linen bag without proper precautions could lead to the spread of infection.
B. Wears clean gloves when performing oral hygiene: Wearing clean gloves during oral care is an effective and appropriate use of supplies to maintain standard precautions and protect both the client and the caregiver from potential contamination.
C. Empties the sharps container when it is full: The sharps container should be emptied when it is three-quarters full, not completely full. Waiting until it is full increases the risk of needlestick injuries and improper disposal practices.
D. Wears an N95 mask when bathing a client who has Clostridium difficile: For Clostridium difficile, the appropriate personal protective equipment includes gloves and a gown, not an N95 mask. C. difficile is transmitted via contact with spores, not through airborne particles.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A: Image A shows a newborn wrapped in a blanket with generalized redness on the face but without distinct blotchy areas or pustules. This appearance is more consistent with normal transitional skin changes such as acrocyanosis or overall mild skin redness after birth. It does not match the appearance of erythema toxicum.
B: Image B shows a close-up of the newborn’s face with visible small red blotchy spots, especially around the cheeks and nose. This matches the classic presentation of erythema toxicum, a benign newborn rash appearing within the first 24 hours. It is characterized by red patches with possible small pustules scattered over the face and body.
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