A total thyroidectomy is ordered following discovery of a cold nodule. In this case of hyperthyroidism versus malignancy, the nurse anticipates that the patient will have:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A complete thyroidectomy also. In the case of a cold nodule, which indicates potential malignancy, a total thyroidectomy is warranted to remove the entire thyroid gland to prevent the spread of cancer. A partial thyroidectomy, as in choices B and C, would not be sufficient in addressing malignancy. Administering thyroid medication, as in choice D, would not be appropriate for treating malignancy. Therefore, the correct approach is to perform a total thyroidectomy to ensure complete removal of the affected gland and to address both hyperthyroidism and potential malignancy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 4, 5, 2006. Upon admission, a patient with allergies to bee stings may exhibit tachycardia (increased heart rate) due to an allergic reaction. Respiratory stridor (high-pitched wheezing) may occur as a sign of airway inflammation. Retinal hemorrhage and dyspnea (difficulty breathing) are not typically associated with bee sting allergies. Pallor and numbness/tingling are also not common symptoms in this scenario. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have a mammogram annually. Mammograms are recommended by the American Cancer Society for breast cancer screening in women as they are effective in detecting early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms have been shown to reduce mortality rates from breast cancer. Annual mammograms are crucial for early detection and treatment. A: Performing breast self-examination annually is not recommended as a standalone screening method as it has not been shown to significantly reduce mortality rates. C: Having a normal receptor assay annually is not a standard screening test for breast cancer recommended by the American Cancer Society. D: Having a physician conduct a clinical examination every 2 years is not as effective as annual mammograms for detecting early signs of breast cancer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “You must avoid hyperextending your neck after surgery.” This is because hyperextending the neck can put strain on the surgical incision site and increase the risk of complications. A: Incorrect, as the head of the bed should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote drainage. B: Incorrect, as deep breathing and coughing are important to prevent pneumonia and promote lung expansion. C: Incorrect, as swallowing may be difficult initially but should improve gradually.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should explain that bladder irrigation is necessary to prevent blood clots from occluding the catheter after a TURP procedure. Step 2: Without irrigation, blood clots could block the catheter, leading to urinary retention and potential complications. Step 3: This explanation addresses the patient's concern about increased pain and highlights the importance of the irrigation in maintaining proper urine flow. Step 4: Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of irrigation is not to stop bleeding but to prevent clot formation. Choice B is incorrect because the irrigation is not for administering antibiotics. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the issue of clot formation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial action for the nurse is to ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement (Choice C). This is because the patient's non-verbal cues (facial grimacing) are contradicting their verbal report of low pain level. By asking the patient directly, the nurse can clarify the discrepancy and gain a better understanding of the patient's actual pain level and needs. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the patient's observed discomfort. Choice B assumes the patient does not want pain medicine without clarifying the situation first. Choice D is premature as administering pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate or safe. In summary, asking the patient about the facial grimacing is essential to ensure accurate pain assessment and appropriate intervention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asking about seeing halos around lights is relevant to assessing the patient's eye health as it could indicate conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. Upper respiratory infections (A), riding in a car (B), and scuba diving (C) are not directly related to eye health assessment. By focusing on symptoms directly related to the eyes, the nurse can gather relevant information for a more accurate assessment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever. Following splenectomy, patients are at risk for OPSI due to impaired immune response. Fever is a key symptom of infection and should alert the nurse to this possibility. Bruising around the operative site (A) is expected post-surgery. Pain (B) is common after surgery and may not specifically indicate OPSI. Irritability (C) is a vague symptom and not specific to OPSI. In summary, fever is the most concerning symptom as it can indicate an underlying infection in a postsplenectomy patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial action for the nurse is to ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement (Choice C). This is important because the patient may not accurately express their pain level verbally. By addressing the discrepancy between the patient's verbal report and non-verbal cues, the nurse can gather more information to assess the patient's pain accurately. By directly communicating with the patient, the nurse can ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided. Choice A is incorrect because it disregards the need to address the patient's pain assessment. Choice B assumes the patient's preference without further clarification. Choice D jumps to administering pain medication without fully assessing the situation, which could lead to inappropriate treatment.