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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An increase in weight is typically a symptom of untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism, not a therapeutic response.
B. A decrease in body temperature is associated with hypothyroidism, and an improvement in this condition should result in a normalization of temperature, not a decrease.
C. An increase in energy is a therapeutic response to liothyronine, as hypothyroidism often causes fatigue and low energy levels. Treatment with liothyronine should alleviate these symptoms and restore normal energy levels.
D. A decreased heart rate (bradycardia) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, and effective treatment should normalize the heart rate, not lower it further.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increasing carbohydrate intake is not recommended for clients with Cushing's disease as they are already at risk for hyperglycemia and weight gain due to the effects of excess cortisol.
B. Decreasing protein intake is not advisable because clients with Cushing's disease often suffer from muscle wasting and weakness. Adequate protein is necessary to help maintain muscle mass.
C. Clients with Cushing's disease should increase their intake of calcium and vitamin D because they are at risk for osteoporosis due to the effects of chronic corticosteroid exposure, which can lead to decreased bone density.
D. Clients with Cushing's disease often experience hypokalemia (low potassium levels), so limiting potassium-rich foods would not be beneficial. Instead, they should ensure adequate potassium intake.