Managing Airway Obstruction after Subtotal Thyroidectomy: A Nurse’s Priority

Which complication is the nurse’s main priority during the early postoperative period after a subtotal thyroidectomy?1Hemorrhage2Thyrotoxic crisis3Airway obstruction4Hypocalcemic tetany

The nurse’s main priority during the early postoperative period after a subtotal thyroidectomy would be airway obstruction

The nurse’s main priority during the early postoperative period after a subtotal thyroidectomy would be airway obstruction. This is because this surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and is close to important structures such as the trachea (windpipe).

Airway obstruction can occur due to several reasons after a subtotal thyroidectomy. One common complication is swelling or edema in the neck, which can occur as a result of the surgical intervention. This swelling can compress the trachea and restrict airflow, leading to difficulty in breathing. Another reason for airway obstruction can be the accumulation of blood or hematoma in the surgical site. If bleeding occurs internally or if a large clot forms, it can put pressure on the trachea and compromise the airway.

Recognizing and managing airway obstruction is crucial in preventing severe respiratory distress and potential life-threatening emergencies. As the nurse, your main responsibility would be to closely monitor the patient’s respiratory status and assess for signs of airway obstruction. These signs can include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing (such as stridor or wheezing), and increased respiratory rate.

If you suspect airway obstruction, you should immediately take actions to address the issue. This may involve loosening any constrictive dressings around the neck and elevating the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler’s or high-Fowler’s position. Additionally, you should inform the surgeon or anesthesiologist promptly, as they may need to intervene with emergency procedures such as reintubation or emergency tracheostomy.

Although complications such as hemorrhage, thyrotoxic crisis, and hypocalcemic tetany can occur after a subtotal thyroidectomy, airway obstruction takes priority due to its immediate and potentially life-threatening nature. However, it is important to continuously monitor the patient for signs of bleeding, thyroid crisis, and calcium imbalances as well, as these complications can also have significant impact on the patient’s overall health and recovery.

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