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A client who had a subtotal thyroidectomy returns to the unit from the postanesthesia care unit. What is the priority nursing action at this time__________________.

User Ian Steffy
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Answer:

The correct answer is - Observe for signs of tetany.

Explanation:

Thyroidectomy is the removal of the Thyroid gland (completely or part of the gland). In this case, it is mentioned that the subtotal thyroidectomy is can cause hypothyroidism as there is no or not enough thyroid hormone production.

Hypothyroidism can lead to the imbalance of the electrolyte in the client specifically calcium that results in involuntary muscle contraction or tetany in more general terms it is also known as hypocalcemia.

Thus, observing the symptoms of tetany would be the priority of nursing action after subtotal thyroidectomy.

User SonicProtein
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