A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following items should the nurse place at the client’s bedside?

Rationale: A. Thoracotomy set: A thoracotomy set is used for emergency chest procedures, such as to relieve a pneumothorax or drain the pleural space. It is not relevant to a thyroidectomy, which involves the neck and airway rather than the thoracic cavity. B. Vacuum assisted wound device: A vacuum-assisted wound device is used for chronic or large open wounds requiring negative pressure therapy. It is not indicated for fresh surgical incisions or preventive airway management following thyroid surgery. C. Tracheostomy kit: A tracheostomy kit should be readily available at the bedside following thyroid surgery because of the risk of airway obstruction from swelling, bleeding, or damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Immediate airway access may be needed in case of respiratory distress. D. Tuning fork: A tuning fork is used in auditory and vibration assessments, such as during Rinne and Weber tests. It has no relevance to the immediate post-operative care of a client undergoing a thyroidectomy.