The nurse is caring for a client after a total thyroidectomy. The nurse's priority should be to:
Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours, with her neck in a flexed position.
Maintain the client in a Fowler's position, with head neutral supported by pillows.
Maintain the client in a supine position, with sandbags placed on either side of her head and neck.
Encourage the client to turn head side to side, to promote drainage of oral secretions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours, with her neck in a flexed position, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or damage to the surgical site.
Choice B Reason: Maintaining the client in a Fowler's position, with head neutral supported by pillows, is a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it helps to reduce swelling and edema, prevent airway obstruction, and promote venous drainage.
Choice C Reason: Maintaining the client in a supine position, with sandbags placed on either side of her head and neck, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may impair breathing and circulation, increase pressure on the surgical site, and cause neck stiffness.
Choice D Reason: Encouraging the client to turn head side to side, to promote drainage of oral secretions, is not a priority for a client after a total thyroidectomy, as it may cause pain and discomfort, disrupt the sutures or drains, and increase the risk of infection.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Calling the RN supervisor is not the priority action for the nurse, as it may delay the intervention and outcome.
Choice B Reason: Completing an incident report is not the priority action for the nurse, as it does not address the immediate problem or prevent further complications.
Choice C Reason: Checking the blood glucose level is not the priority action for the nurse, as it may confirm the error but not correct it.
Choice D Reason: Giving the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate is the priority action for the nurse, as it may prevent or treat hypoglycemia, which is a serious complication of insulin overdose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Instituting measures to prevent infection is the highest priority in providing care to this client, as AIDS impairs the immune system and makes the client susceptible to opportunistic infections that can be life-threatening.
Choice B Reason: Providing emotional support is an important aspect of providing care to this client, but it is not the highest priority, as it does not address the physical needs of the client.
Choice C Reason: Identifying risk factors related to contracting AIDS is not relevant for providing care to this client, as it does not help to improve the current condition or prevent complications.
Choice D Reason: Discussing the cause of AIDS is not essential for providing care to this client, as it does not affect the treatment or prognosis of the disease.

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