The nurse is reviewing postoperative care for a patient scheduled for a thyroidectomy. What information should the nurse include in this teaching?

Question

1. "Avoid the use of iodized salt after your procedure."
2. "Plastic surgery may be required to conceal the surgical scar."
3. "Use iodized salt when preparing foods."
4. "Perform neck flexion and extension exercises twice daily for several weeks postoperatively."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
The nurse anticipates that the patient who has a thyroidectomy will require a lifelong prescription for a thyroid preparation. Iodized salt and iodine preparations should not be taken with thyroid preparations. Typically the scar fades to a small line, so plastic surgery is not needed. The patient is instructed to support the neck by placing both hands behind the neck when sitting up in bed, while moving about, and while coughing. Neck extension would place stress on the suture line.