The practical nurse (PN) is assisting the recreational director of a long-term care facility in planning outdoor activities for wheelchair-bound older residents who are mentally alert. Which activity should the PN suggest that meets the physical and social needs of these residents?

A. Checking the medical record for the correct signed consent form is within the PN’s scope of practice. The PN ensures that proper documentation is completed before the procedure.
B. Explaining the examination and obtaining consent is the responsibility of the healthcare provider (e.g., physician or advanced practice nurse) performing the procedure. The PN does not obtain informed consent.
C. Obtaining consent from a family member is only appropriate if the client is legally unable to provide consent (e.g., unconscious or lacks decision-making capacity), and legal documentation is in place.
D. Asking if the client understands the exam is important, but the PN does not provide the detailed explanation required for informed consent. The provider must clarify any concerns.

Hoarseness or voice changes after thyroidectomy can be indicative of injury or irritation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is responsible for controlling the vocal cords. This is a potential complication of the surgery and should be reported to the charge nurse or healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

B. Administer humidified oxygen per nasal cannula: This option is not appropriate for addressing hoarseness in a client following a thyroidectomy. Hoarseness after a thyroidectomy is typically related to vocal cord injury or irritation, and providing humidified oxygen would not directly address this issue. It is important to notify the charge nurse or healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
C. Obtain a cup of ice chips for the client: Providing ice chips is not the appropriate action for hoarseness following a thyroidectomy. Ice chips are typically used to provide hydration and comfort to clients, but they do not directly address the underlying cause of hoarseness, which in this case may be vocal cord injury or irritation. It is important to notify the charge nurse or healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.
D. Ensure that the drainage device is compressed: While ensuring proper compression of a drainage device is important for preventing complications such as bleeding or infection, it is not directly related to the client's hoarseness. Hoarseness after a thyroidectomy is more likely related to vocal cord injury or irritation, and notifying the charge nurse or healthcare provider is necessary for further assessment and management.