A nurse evaluates a client four hours after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which assessment findings indicate a developing physiological complication that requires immediate intervention? Select all that apply.
- A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound heard during inspirationCevap
- BArterial blood gas results showing a pH of 7.42, PaCO2 of 38 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L
- Spasmodic contractions of the hand and fingers when a blood pressure cuff is inflatedCevap
- DApproximately 15 mL of serosanguineous fluid in the closed-suction surgical drain
- The client reports a sensation of tightness and increasing pressure at the surgical siteCevap
- FA resting heart rate of 84 beats per minute with a blood pressure of 122/78 mmHg
Cevap
The assessment findings requiring immediate intervention are a harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound, spasmodic contractions of the hand with blood pressure cuff inflation, and a reported sensation of increasing tightness at the surgical site.
Following a subtotal thyroidectomy, the most critical risks include airway obstruction (indicated by stridor or a high-pitched respiratory sound), hemorrhage or hematoma formation (indicated by reports of increasing neck pressure or tightness), and inadvertent removal or damage to the parathyroid glands causing acute hypocalcemia (indicated by Trousseau's sign, which is hand spasms when a blood pressure cuff is inflated). All three of these findings represent acute, life-threatening complications that require immediate emergency intervention.
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Anahtar Kavram
Postoperative complications of thyroid surgery (airway obstruction, hematoma, and hypocalcemia) require immediate recognition and intervention.