Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client who is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy?
Resume antithyroid drug therapy.
Anticipate and monitor for hypothermia.
Prepare to administer radioactive iodine treatments.
Maintain a semi-Fowler position.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Resume antithyroid drug therapy.
Antithyroid medications are typically not resumed immediately post-thyroidectomy unless specifically directed by the healthcare provider. The focus post-surgery is often on managing potential complications and ensuring proper healing.
B. Anticipate and monitor for hypothermia.
Hypothermia is not a common concern following thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for other more relevant complications such as bleeding, airway obstruction, and hypocalcemia.
C. Prepare to administer radioactive iodine treatments.
Radioactive iodine treatment is usually not administered immediately post-thyroidectomy. It may be considered later, depending on the reason for the thyroidectomy and the individual treatment plan.
D. Maintain a semi-Fowler position.
This is the correct intervention. Maintaining the client in a semi-Fowler position helps reduce strain on the surgical site, facilitates breathing, and minimizes the risk of complications such as bleeding and edema in the neck area. It is an essential part of postoperative care for
thyroidectomy patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Confirming that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist is correct. Properly securing the gown ensures full coverage and prevents gaps where contamination could occur. This step is crucial for maintaining effective contact precautions.
B. Helping the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the glove edges is incorrect. Standard PPE protocol requires that gloves be worn over the gown sleeves to prevent exposure when the hands are raised or moved.
C. Reminding the UAP to wash hands frequently while in the room is incorrect. While hand hygiene is always important, ensuring proper PPE use is the immediate priority in this scenario.
D. Assisting the UAP with the application of a face mask or face shield is incorrect. Contact precautions do not require a mask or face shield unless there is a risk of splashes or sprays of infectious material.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Actions to Take:
A. Educate on disease process and management: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic
autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Educating the client about RA helps them understand the disease, its
progression, treatment options, and the importance of adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications. This empowers the client to actively participate in managing their condition and improve outcomes.
B. Turn every two hours to offload bony prominences to prevent pressure injuries: Rheumatoid arthritis predisposes individuals to joint deformities and immobility due to joint inflammation and pain. Immobility increases the risk of pressure injuries, especially over bony prominences. Turning the client every two hours helps redistribute pressure, reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, and maintains skin integrity.
Potential Condition:
D. Rheumatoid arthritis: The client's clinical presentation, including bilateral joint pain and stiffness, positive rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear antibody test, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and soft tissue swelling with marginal erosions on hand X-rays, is consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints, leading to joint damage, pain, and functional impairment.
Parameters to Monitor:
C. Pain: Monitoring pain is essential in rheumatoid arthritis management to assess the effectiveness of pain management interventions and adjust treatment accordingly. Pain assessment tools, such as numerical rating scales or visual analog scales, help quantify pain intensity and guide pain management strategies.
D. Skin breakdown: Rheumatoid arthritis can limit mobility and predispose individuals to prolonged immobility, increasing the risk of pressure injuries. Monitoring for signs of skin breakdown, such as erythema, blanchable or non-blanchable skin changes, and skin integrity over bony prominences, helps prevent pressure ulcers and facilitates early intervention if skin breakdown occurs. Regularly turning the client, maintaining proper positioning, and providing adequate support surfaces are essential to prevent pressure injuries.
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