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 B, A, C, D
Explanation
The correct sequence for the interventions when caring for a client with a tracheostomy tube, after donning sterile gloves, is as follows:
Hyperoxygenate with a bag valve mask (BVM) using a nondominant hand. Insert sterile suction catheter in tracheostomy tube.
Activate suction by covering the catheter opening. Withdraw and rotate the catheter while suction is applied.
The first step is to hyperoxygenate the client using a bag valve mask (BVM) with the nondominant hand. This helps to ensure that the client receives adequate oxygenation during the suctioning procedure.
Next, the sterile suction catheter is inserted into the tracheostomy tube. The catheter is carefully advanced until resistance is met, ensuring it does not force its way in.
After the catheter is inserted, the suction is activated by covering the catheter opening. This creates negative pressure and allows for the removal of secretions.
Finally, the catheter is withdrawn and rotated while suction is applied. This helps to thoroughly suction the secretions from the tracheostomy tube.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When a client refuses to look at their mastectomy incision and refuses to talk about it, the best response by the practical nurse (PN) is to respect the client's autonomy and validate their feelings. Option a) acknowledges the client's discomfort and provides reassurance that it is okay for them to decline to look or talk about the incision at the moment. It also offers support by letting the client know that the incision will be available for examination when they feel ready to do so.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.