Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who had a thyroidectomy and is at risk for hypocalcemia. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone
  • B. Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain
  • C. Evaluate the quality of the client’s voice postoperatively, noting any dastric changes
  • D. Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes. After a thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be inadvertently damaged, leading to hypocalcemia. Muscle twitching and numbness/tingling are early signs of hypocalcemia. The nurse should monitor for these symptoms to detect and address hypocalcemia promptly.

Choice A is incorrect as monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone levels is not related to hypocalcemia. Choice B is incorrect as it describes signs of potential complications like bleeding or airway obstruction, not hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as changes in voice quality and gastric issues are not specific to hypocalcemia.