Ati Med Surg Proctored Exam
A nurse is assessing a client who had a total thyroidectomy 4 hr ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse report?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Moderate serosanguineous drainage is expected in the immediate postoperative period and does not usually indicate a complication. B. Neck stiffness may result from positioning during surgery and is not typically a cause for concern unless it worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms. C. Muscle twitching can be a sign of hypocalcemia, a serious complication of thyroidectomy due to possible inadvertent removal or damage to the parathyroid glands. This can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. D. Hoarseness is common shortly after thyroid surgery due to irritation or swelling of the vocal cords and is usually temporary. Persistent or worsening hoarseness would warrant evaluation but is not as urgent as muscle twitching.
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