The nurse is caring for the client who has stridor 30 minutes postoperatively after a thyroidectomy. Which should the nurse implement?
1. Reposition client head to open airway.
2. Apply a pressure dressing with gauze.
3. Turn the client to the recovery position.
4. Apply oxygen at 10 L/min by face mask.
1
1. A client with stridor, or who is snoring, has an impaired airway, especially after surgery of the neck because surgical manipulation of the tissues usually leads to regional postoperative edema. These clients are at high risk for an impaired airway and dysphagia. The nurse can reposition the client's head to open the airway; because the client is in the immediate postoperative period, the nurse stays at the bedside and manually maintains the airway until the client supports it independently.
2. The client displays no signs of bleeding and thus does not need a pressure dressing.
3. The recovery position is a reasonable response if this position helps to maintain the airway.
4. The nurse must open the airway before oxygen at any level benefits the client.
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