A nurse is providing care to a 32-year-old who returned from a thyroidectomy 6 hours ago. The nurse notes that the patient's temperature is 99.5°F and that the patient has been taking sips of clear liquids, reports mild nausea, and is using patient-controlled anesthesia to manage pain, which is 3/10. The nurse should

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The nurse should document the findings, as they are within normal limits for a post-thyroidectomy patient. The patient's temperature is only slightly elevated and the mild nausea and 3/10 pain can be expected after surgery. There is no indication for a low-salt diet or assessing the back of the patient's throat, and contacting the physician is not necessary at this time.

A Nurse Is Providing Care to a 32-Year-Old Who Returned