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: Side lying on the affected eye is not the correct position for the client after cataract surgery, as it may increase intraocular pressure and cause bleeding or damage to the surgical site.
Choice B Reason: Supine is not the correct position for the client after cataract surgery, as it may cause fluid accumulation and swelling in the eye.
Choice C Reason: Prone is not the correct position for the client after cataract surgery, as it may cause pressure and friction on the eye.
Choice D Reason: Semi Fowler's is the correct position for the client after cataract surgery, as it helps to reduce intraocular pressure and promote drainage and healing of the eye.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Contacting the health care provider is the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it indicates that the client may have compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and nerve damage.
Choice B Reason: Administering PRN pain medication is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may not relieve the pain and may mask the symptoms of compartment syndrome.
Choice C Reason: Documenting the findings is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may delay the treatment and worsen the outcome of compartment syndrome.
Choice D Reason: Elevating the extremity is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may decrease blood flow and increase tissue ischemia in compartment syndrome.
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