The nurse is providing care to a patient who returned from a mediastinoscopy 4 hours ago.The nurse recognizes further teaching is necessary if which of the following is observed?
A)The patient is resting in a semi-Fowler's position.
B)The patient's wife is offering sips of diet soda.
C)The nursing assistant is taking vital signs and pulse oximeter readings.
D)The patient reports mild itching.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After a mediastinoscopy, the patient's throat may be sore or swollen, and his or her swallowing reflex may be affected. Therefore, the patient should not be consuming anything orally until it is assured that the patient's swallowing reflex has returned to normal. The nursing assistant taking vital signs is appropriate, as is the patient resting in a semi-Fowler's position. Mild itching is a common symptom that can be relieved by administering an antihistamine, which can be ordered by the healthcare provider.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Patient Who Returned