The nurse is caring for the patient who has stridor 30 minutes after a thyroidectomy.Which action should the nurse implement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient 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 patients are at high risk for an impaired airway and dysphagia.The nurse can reposition the patient's head to open the airway; because the patient is in the immediate postoperative period,the nurse stays at the bedside and manually maintains the airway until the patient supports it independently.There are no data that state that the patient displays signs of bleeding; thus he or she does not need a pressure dressing.The recovery position is a reasonable response if this position helps to maintain the airway.The nurse must open the airway before oxygen at any level benefits the patient.

The Nurse Is Caring for the Patient Who Has Stridor