The practical nurse (PN) is auscultating a client's heart sounds. Which abnormal heart sound should the PN report to the charge nurse? (Please listen to the audio file to select the option that applies.)

Elevations in troponin I and CK-MB levels indicate myocardial damage, which can result from insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle due to coronary artery disease. When the heart muscle is damaged, it can lead to abnormal electrical activity and rhythm disturbances, known as cardiac dysrhythmias. These dysrhythmias can be life-threatening and require immediate attention.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) refers to a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, which is not directly related to the elevated troponin I and CK-MB levels. Therefore, monitoring neurological vital signs for TIA is not the most significant risk in this case.

Pulmonary embolism, while it is a serious condition, is not directly indicated by the elevated troponin I and CK-MB levels. Lifestyle modifications may be important for managing coronary artery disease but are not the most significant risk based on the given information.

Recurrent long-term angina pain and subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) may be a concern for the client with coronary artery disease, but the elevated troponin I and CK-MB levels suggest that myocardial damage has already occurred. The focus at this point would be on managing the acute myocardial damage and the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.

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.