The nurse is reviewing postoperative care for a patient scheduled ...

[HCHenry]

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

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with elevated serum T3 and T4 levels who receives a new prescription for methimazole (Tapazole). Which patient statement indicates that additional teaching is needed about this medication?
 
  1. This medication will increase my metabolism.
  2. I must contact my physician if I plan to become pregnant.
  3. It may take several weeks for this medication to take effect.
  4. I may take a beta-blocker along with this medication.

[lauravaras]

Answer to Question 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.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Hyperthyroidism is treated by administering methimazole or PTU, medications that reduce TH production, thereby decreasing metabolism. Methimazole crosses the placenta and cannot be taken during pregnancy. Antithyroid medications inhibit thyroid hormone production but have no effect on already-produced and circulating thyroid hormone. It can take several weeks for the patient to experience the effects. To rapidly reduce the cardiovascular symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, propranolol (Inderal) or esmolol, a rapid-acting parenteral beta-blocker may be used along with methimazole.

[HCHenry]

Thank you

[lauravaras]

No problemo