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","D","E","G"]
Explanation
The PN should double-check the following with a second nurse:
- The dose of insulin drawn up in the syringe: Double-checking the dose of insulin is essential to ensure the correct amount is being administered to the client.
- The insulin vial for color and clarity: Insulin should be clear and free of particles or discoloration. Checking the vial for any abnormalities ensures the integrity and quality of the insulin.
- The expiration date on the insulin vial: Insulin should not be used beyond its expiration date. Verifying the expiration date helps ensure that the insulin is still effective and safe for administration.
- The insulin concentration: Different concentrations of insulin are available, such as
U-100 and U-500. Double-checking the concentration ensures that the correct type of insulin is being administered.
It's important to note that the other options listed are not necessary for double-checking with a second nurse in this context:
- The sliding scale insulin lispro order: Sliding scale insulin is typically used to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. However, in this case, the given dose of 2 units of insulin lispro may be a specific prescription for the client's diabetes management and not related to the acute appendicitis.
- The type of insulin to be administered: The type of insulin, in this case, is specified as insulin lispro. Confirming the type of insulin is important, but it is not a part of the double-checking process since it is already specified.
- The history and physical with the diabetes diagnosis listed: The client's medical history and diabetes diagnosis are important aspects of their overall care but are not directly related to double-checking the administration of insulin.
- The site for insulin administration: The specific site for insulin administration may depend on the client's individual preference or medical condition, but it is not a part of the double-check process. The double-check is primarily focused on the accuracy of the medication itself.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Regular insulin is the medication of choice for treating DKA. Its main action is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver. Therefore, checking the fingerstick blood glucose level is an important indicator of the effectiveness of the insulin treatment.
A decrease in the blood glucose level indicates that the insulin is working to lower the high blood sugar associated with DKA. This measurement helps the PN assess the response to treatment and adjust the insulin dosage if necessary.
The other actions mentioned are also important assessments in the care of a client with DKA, but they do not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage:
A. Smelling the client's breath for resolution of a fruity odor is important as it indicates a decrease in ketone production, which is a marker of improving DKA. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
B. Determining the client's orientation to time and space is part of assessing their neurological status, which is crucial in managing DKA. However, it does not specifically assess the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
C. Measuring the client's urinary output for an increased volume is important to monitor hydration status and renal function, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.
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