Final answer:
Post-thyroidectomy, nurses should monitor for signs of hypocalcemia such as confusion, circumoral numbness, depressed reflexes, and positive Chvostek's sign. Weight gain is not an immediate concern but could occur if the patient develops hypothyroidism.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a total thyroidectomy, it is crucial to assess for signs of hypocalcemia due to potential inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. The clinical manifestations to examine include:
- Confusion
- Circumoral numbness
- Depressed reflexes
- Positive Chvostek's sign
Circumoral numbness and Positive Chvostek's sign are indicative of low calcium levels in the blood. Weight gain is generally not an immediate concern post-thyroidectomy but can occur over time if the patient develops hypothyroidism. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels following the surgery will help to manage and prevent this potential outcome.