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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When a client's family member expresses concerns about the care provided, it is essential for the nurse to gather more information and understand the specific issues raised. By asking for a description of what happened during the night, the nurse can obtain details about the perceived inadequate care. This allows the nurse to gather accurate information, assess the situation, and address any legitimate concerns.
A. Explaining that all staff are doing their best may not address the specific issues raised by the daughter and may not provide a satisfactory resolution to her concerns.
B. Telling the daughter to talk with the unit's nurse manager can be an appropriate step, but it should come after gathering information about the situation. The nurse needs to have a clear understanding of what happened before involving the nurse manager.
C. Reassuring the daughter that the mother will get better care may not address her concerns and may not provide a solution to the perceived problem. It is important to gather more information before offering reassurance or making promises.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Checking the medical record for the correct signed consent form prior to the examination is the primary responsibility of the practical nurse (PN). Ensuring that the consent form is properly signed and documented in the medical record is crucial for legal and ethical reasons before proceeding with any invasive procedure.
B. While explaining the examination is important, obtaining informed consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the PN. The PN can clarify information but should not be the one to explain the procedure in detail and obtain the signature.
C. Explaining the procedure to a family member and obtaining their signature is not appropriate, as consent must come from the client unless they are incapacitated. Family members cannot give consent for procedures unless legally designated as such.
D. While asking if the client understands the exam and the need for the consent form is a good practice for ensuring informed consent, the PN's responsibility focuses more on verifying that the consent has been properly obtained and documented.
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