The client has undergone a thyroidectomy, and the nurse is providing care. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Numbness and tingling around the mouth. This finding indicates potential hypocalcemia, a common complication post-thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage to parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent serious complications. Hoarseness and a sore throat (A) are expected post-thyroidectomy due to intubation. Difficulty swallowing (B) can be due to swelling but is not immediately life-threatening. A temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C) (D) is slightly elevated but not a priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: High Fowler's position. Placing the client in a High Fowler's position helps reduce dyspnea and orthopnea by facilitating lung expansion and improving ventilation. In this position, the client's head and chest are elevated at a 90-degree angle, allowing for maximal chest expansion and improved oxygenation. This position also helps reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing venous return, which can help alleviate symptoms of left-sided heart failure. Summary: - A: High Fowler's position is correct as it facilitates lung expansion and improves ventilation. - B: Supine position would not be ideal as it can exacerbate symptoms by increasing pressure on the lungs and heart. - C: Trendelenburg position would worsen symptoms by increasing venous return and fluid overload. - D: Sims' position is used for procedures or to facilitate drainage, not for relieving dyspnea and orthopnea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypernatremia. Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to an increase in sodium levels. Addison's disease involves low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, so fludrocortisone is used to replace aldosterone. Monitoring for hypernatremia is crucial to prevent complications like hypertension and fluid retention. Hyperkalemia (A) is not expected due to the drug's potassium-excreting effect. Hyponatremia (B) is unlikely as the drug promotes sodium retention. Hypocalcemia (D) is not directly related to fludrocortisone therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take the medication on an empty stomach. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works best when taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals. This allows the medication to be absorbed effectively and provides optimal therapeutic effects in reducing stomach acid production. Taking it with food (choice A) may decrease its efficacy. Taking it at bedtime (choice B) is not ideal as it may not coincide with the peak acid production in the stomach. Taking it as needed for pain relief (choice D) is not appropriate as omeprazole is a scheduled medication for the management of peptic ulcer disease, not for immediate pain relief.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Episodes of cyanosis and pallor in the fingers. Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasms of small arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and color changes in the digits. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) and pallor (pale color) are common during episodes. Thickened and hardened skin (A) is associated with scleroderma. Painless ulcers on the fingertips (B) are seen in advanced stages of systemic sclerosis. Red, scaly patches on the hands (D) are indicative of psoriasis, not Raynaud's phenomenon.