A nurse is monitoring a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following data should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?
Airway patency
Temperature
Pain control
Urination
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Airway patency is the highest priority following a thyroidectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from swelling or hematoma formation near the surgical site. Compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress and requires immediate attention.
B. While monitoring temperature is important for detecting potential infections, it is not the immediate priority.
C. Pain control is important for comfort and recovery, but it is not life-threatening.
D. Urination should be monitored postoperatively, but it is not as critical as ensuring a patent airway.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Purulent dialysate outflow is a sign of infection, specifically peritonitis, which is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires immediate medical attention.
B. Blood-tinged dialysate can occur, especially if the client is new to dialysis or has had recent abdominal surgery, but it should be monitored rather than immediately reported unless it is excessive.
C. A feeling of fullness during the dialysate dwelling phase is common and usually resolves as the body adjusts to the procedure.
D. Discomfort during dialysate inflow can occur, particularly with fast inflow rates or high dialysate volumes, but it is not immediately life-threatening.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Airway patency is the highest priority following a thyroidectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from swelling or hematoma formation near the surgical site. Compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress and requires immediate attention.
B. While monitoring temperature is important for detecting potential infections, it is not the immediate priority.
C. Pain control is important for comfort and recovery, but it is not life-threatening.
D. Urination should be monitored postoperatively, but it is not as critical as ensuring a patent airway.