Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the postoperative teaching for a patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer who had a thyroidectomy and is receiving levothyroxine?

Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests are necessary to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.

You may experience weight gain as a side effect of levothyroxine.

You should take your levothyroxine medication with food.

It is important to avoid any dietary restrictions while taking levothyroxine.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   After a thyroidectomy and when receiving levothyroxine, it is essential for the patient to have regular follow-ups and blood tests (specifically TSH and free T4 levels) to ensure the dosage of levothyroxine is appropriate and to monitor for any complications related to the thyroid hormone levels.
B.   Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement and, when taken appropriately, should help maintain a normal metabolism, potentially preventing weight gain. Weight changes can occur, but they are more likely to be due to improper dosing or underlying issues rather than a direct side effect of the medication itself.
C.   Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal absorption. Taking it with food can reduce its effectiveness.
D.   While there are no strict dietary restrictions for most patients on levothyroxine, certain foods (such as those high in soy or fiber) can interfere with absorption if consumed around the time of taking the medication. Patients should be informed to take levothyroxine consistently and to wait a while before consuming certain foods that may impact absorption.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Petechiae (small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin) and epistaxis (nosebleeds) result from thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count often seen in leukemia. The compromised bone marrow function leads to inadequate production of platelets, resulting in bleeding and bruising.
B. While generalized edema and rash can occur in various conditions, they are not specific to ALL and are not common initial findings. Edema might be seen in certain contexts (e.g., renal involvement or fluid overload), but it is not a hallmark of ALL.
C. Alopecia (hair loss) and pallor (paleness) can occur in clients undergoing chemotherapy for ALL, but they are not typically initial findings at the time of diagnosis. Pallor may result from anemia, which can develop as a consequence of the disease, but it is not the most immediate or characteristic symptom of ALL.
D. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and lethargy are not typical initial findings of ALL. Lethargy could be present due to anemia or other systemic effects, but bradycardia is not commonly associated with the disease and would require further investigation for other underlying causes.

A. notify the provider if the urine output is absent." B. resume voiding normally within one week." C. take a stool softener daily to decrease the chance of straining." D. monitor the skin around the surgical site for redness."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. After a radical cystectomy, the client may have a urinary diversion (such as a stoma) and should be vigilant about monitoring urine output. Absence of urine output can indicate a serious issue, and notifying the provider is crucial.
B. This statement indicates a need for further clarification. After a radical cystectomy, clients typically do not resume normal voiding because the bladder is removed. Instead, they may have a urinary diversion or need to learn how to manage their new urinary output. Normal voiding as before surgery is not possible, so this statement reflects a misunderstanding of the procedure's implications.
C. After surgery, particularly abdominal surgery like a radical cystectomy, patients are often advised to take stool softeners to prevent constipation. Straining can increase the risk of complications and affect the surgical site, so this is a valid precaution.
D. Monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is an essential part of post-operative care. Clients should be educated on how to check their surgical site for any concerning changes.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the postoperative teaching for a patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer who had a thyroidectomy and is receiving levothyroxine?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which initial assessment finding(s) would the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which statement, made by a client being discharged to home after a radical cystectomy, indicates a need for further clarification by the nurse? "I will:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The physician recommends a carotid endarterectomy for a client with atherosclerosis and a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAS). The nurse explains that this procedure involves:

The nurse is caring for a client who had a thrombotic stroke in the Emergency Department. It has been less than 3 hours since the onset of symptoms. The rationale for using tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for this client is to:

Which nursing intervention(s) should be employed when caring for the bone marrow donor immediately following a bone marrow aspiration? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

The client diagnosed with hyperlipidemia has experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which medication would the nurse anticipate being ordered for the client on discharge?

Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse that the client would be at risk for a hemorrhagic stroke?

A patient is ordered 20 unit/kg IV bolus of Heparin. The patient weighs 154 lbs. Heparin is supplied 25,000 units/250 mL. How many mL will the nurse administer? (round to the nearest whole number)

What genetic abnormality would a nurse expect in a client diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)?

The husband of a client with cervical carcinoma in situ says to the nurse, "The doctor just told my wife that her cancer is curable. Is the doctor just trying to make us feel better?" The nurse's most accurate response would be: