After surgery, C.P.'s thyroid hormone levels are elevated. The physician orders propranolol
(Inderal) 80 mg ER orally twice daily for "surgically induced thyrotoxicosis.
" Is this reaction
expected after thyroid surgery, or did something go wrong during surgery? Explain.
This is a common postoperative reaction. Manipulation of the thyroid gland during surgery
releases stored thyroid hormones and causes a surgically induced thyrotoxicosis. The patient might
experience tachycardia, dysrhythmias, hypertension, confusion and agitation, fever, tremor, and
symptoms of nervousness. Some patients might also experience nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea,
and abdominal pain. Propranolol is given to counteract these symptoms, which can persist for
several days.
Eighteen hours after surgery, C.P. calls you into her room complaining of numbness around her mouth,
tingling at the tips of her fingers, and jitteriness. She appears restless but denies any pain at the operative
site. She is able to swallow and speak without difficulty.
You might also like to view...
A woman of Korean descent has just given birth to a son. Her partner wishes to give her sips of hot broth from a thermos he brought from home. The client has refused your offer of ice chips or other cold drinks. The nurse should:
1. Explain to the client that she can have the broth if she will also drink cold water or juice. 2. Encourage the partner to feed the client sips of broth. Ask if the client would like you to bring her some warm water to drink as well. 3. Explain to the couple that food can't be brought from home, but that the nurse will make hot broth for the client. 4. Encourage the client to have the broth, after the nurse takes it to the kitchen and boils it first.
A middle-aged female client is upset about not losing weight despite being active with household chores throughout the day. Which response should the nurse make to this client?
a. "As people age they tend to naturally gain weight." b. "In order to lose weight you must increase physical exercise and reduce calories." c. "Doing housework only utilizes about 3 calorie/min compared with 6.1 calories/min walking." d. "Doing housework uses the same amount of calories/min as swimming, so it is a good way to lose weight
Persons with which type of blood are considered universal recipients?
a. A c. AB b. B d. O
Which of these women would be at greatest risk for developing cervical cancer?
a. one who had her first child at age 35 b. one who became sexually active at age 13 c. one who is overweight d. one who avoids use of condoms during sexual intercourse