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 A
Explanation
This is the first action that the PN should implement when the UAP tells them that a male client is angry because the night shift took over 2 hours to bring him the pain medication he had to request three times. Asking the client to describe what happened shows empathy, respect, and active listening, and allows the PN to gather more information and validate the client's feelings and concerns. The PN should also apologize for the delay, assess the client's pain level and needs, and provide appropriate interventions and support.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. "I don't need to go to the hospital if I have another seizure unless it is a very long seizure or if I have several in a row." This statement demonstrates an understanding that certain characteristics of seizures, such as prolonged duration or multiple seizures in succession, may require medical attention and evaluation.
C. "I may never know why I started having seizures." This statement acknowledges the possibility that the underlying cause of the seizures may remain unknown. Seizure etiology can vary, and in some cases, the specific cause cannot be determined despite diagnostic tests.
D. "Having a medic alert bracelet might be a good idea, but it is up to me to decide if I want it or not." This statement recognizes the potential benefits of wearing a medic alert bracelet, which can provide crucial information about the client's condition in case of emergencies. It emphasizes the client's autonomy in making the decision, showing an understanding of the role and significance of the bracelet.
The following statement does not indicate understanding:
"There are really no lifestyle changes that I can do that will affect my risk of having another seizure." This statement is incorrect, as there are lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of seizures, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding triggers (if known), and taking prescribed medications as directed.
Regarding the statement "I can stop taking the phenytoin if I go for a while and don't have a seizure," it is not included in the given options.
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