NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers Related

Review NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers related questions and content

The nurse asks the client to state her name as soon as she regains consciousness postoperatively after a subtotal thyroidectomy and at each assessment. The nurse does this to monitor for signs of which of the following?

  • A. External hemorrhage.
  • B. Decreasing level of consciousness.
  • C. Laryngeal nerve damage.
  • D. Upper airway obstruction.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Asking the client to speak monitors for laryngeal nerve damage, which can cause vocal cord paralysis and hoarseness, a potential complication of thyroidectomy.