For which complication of thyroidectomy would the nurse monitor?
A)Hypercalcemia
B)Respiratory obstruction
C)Elevated serum T4
D)Paralytic ileus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respiratory obstruction, hemorrhage, tetany, and laryngeal nerve injury are the major complications following thyroid surgery. Hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia (Choice A), is a complication resulting from damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery. Serum T4 will be decreased or absent, not elevated (Choice C), and the client will need replacement therapy because no thyroid hormone is secreted once the total thyroid gland is removed. Choice D is not related to thyroidectomy.

For Which Complication of Thyroidectomy Would the Nurse Monitor