During preoperative teaching for a client who will undergo subtotal thyroidectomy, the nurse should include which statement?

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a low-pitched voice. This is because elderly individuals may have age-related hearing loss, making it difficult for them to hear higher frequencies. Using a low-pitched voice can help ensure that the client can hear and understand the nurse clearly. A: Leaning and shouting at the ear of the client may come across as aggressive and disrespectful. C: Opening the mouth wide while talking is not necessary and may be seen as patronizing. D: Using a medium-pitched voice may still be too difficult for the elderly client to hear clearly due to age-related hearing loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement. This is the initial action because the discrepancy between the patient's verbal pain level and non-verbal cues needs clarification. By directly asking the patient about the facial grimacing, the nurse can gather more information to assess the actual pain level accurately. This step ensures a comprehensive understanding of the patient's pain experience and guides further interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Proceed to the next patient’s room to make rounds - This choice neglects the need to address the discrepancy in the patient's pain assessment. B: Determine the patient does not want any pain medicine - Assuming the patient's preference without further assessment can lead to inadequate pain management. D: Administer the pain medication ordered for moderate to severe pain - Without clarifying the reason behind the facial grimacing, administering pain medication may not be appropriate and could result in unnecessary medication use.

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: 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.