A practical nurse (PN) is monitoring a client who is three hours postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. The client expresses feeling a tight sensation in the throat and is noted to be swallowing repeatedly. The client's heart rate has increased to 112 beats per minute, and blood pressure is 98/60 mm Hg. What is the priority action for the PN?
- Examine the surgical dressing and the posterior area of the neck for blood pooling.Cevap
- BProvide oral ice chips to soothe the throat and decrease the urge to swallow.
- CDocument the vital signs as expected postoperative variations and continue routine checks.
- DRetrieve the prescribed PRN analgesic to manage the reported incisional tightness.
Cevap
Examine the surgical dressing and the posterior area of the neck for blood pooling.
The correct answer addresses the highest priority threat: Airway and Circulation. Frequent swallowing, a tight sensation in the neck, tachycardia, and borderline hypotension in a post-thyroidectomy client are cardinal signs of hemorrhage and hematoma formation. The practical nurse must immediately perform a focused assessment by checking the anterior dressing and the back of the neck, as gravity causes blood to pool posteriorly. This data is essential to confirm the emergency before quickly escalating the findings to the registered nurse and provider.
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Recognition of post-thyroidectomy hemorrhage and airway compromise
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