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. Begin parenteral antibiotic therapy.
This is the correct answer. Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that requires prompt and aggressive antibiotic therapy to prevent further complications and promote healing.
B. Administer antiemetic agents.
Antiemetic agents may be necessary if the client is experiencing nausea or vomiting, but this is not the priority action.
C. Provide a high-calorie, high-protein diet.
While nutritional support is important for healing, initiating antibiotic therapy to address the infection takes precedence.
D. Bivalve the cast for distal compromise.
Bivalving the cast might be necessary if there is evidence of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation, but there is no indication from the question that such a complication is present at this time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide and increased acidity in the blood. Hyperventilation, as described in the scenario, would not lead to respiratory acidosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis by blowing off excessive carbon dioxide, resulting in decreased levels of carbonic acid and increased blood pH.
C. Metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate ions. The scenario does not indicate factors leading to metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels, neither of which is suggested in the scenario.
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