While caring for a client one day following a thyroidectomy, the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's voice is hoarse. What action should the PN take?
Notify the unit charge nurse of the finding.
Administer humidified oxygen per nasal cannula.
Obtain a cup of ice chips for the client.
Ensure that the drainage device is compressed.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A callus is a normal response of the body during bone healing, where new bone tissue forms around the fracture site to provide stability and support. It helps in the process of bridging the fracture and promoting healing.
The PN can provide reassurance to the client by explaining that the presence of a callus indicates that the bone is healing and progressing toward recovery. It is important to educate the client about the expected timeline for bone healing and the need for continued follow-up with the healthcare provider.
Incorrect:
A. Prepare to assist in applying a new cast to reduce pressure points: This choice assumes that the client's concern is related to discomfort or pressure points caused by the current cast.
However, the client's concern is about the formation of a callus, which is a normal part of bone healing. There is no indication that a new cast is necessary at this point.
B. Report the client's concern to the healthcare provider: While it's important to address client concerns and communicate any changes in their condition to the healthcare provider, in this case, the formation of a callus is an expected part of the bone healing process. It is not necessary to report this concern to the healthcare provider as it is a normal occurrence.
D. Teach the client strategies to prevent further calluses: The formation of a callus in this context is a natural response of the body to promote bone healing. It is not necessary to teach the client strategies to prevent further calluses, as callus formation is a temporary and beneficial part of the healing process.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Collecting fingerstick glucose levels is the most important intervention for the PN to implement for a client who is receiving TPN. TPN is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and provides all the nutritional needs of the body through a vein. TPN contains a high concentration of glucose, which can cause hyperglycemia or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the client's glucose levels frequently and adjust the infusion rate or insulin administration accordingly.
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