A few hours after returning to the surgical nursing unit, a client who has undergone a subtotal thyroidectomy develops laryngeal stridor and a cramp in the right hand. Which of the following actions should the nurse anticipate implementing first?
A)Infuse IV calcium gluconate.
B)Suction the client's airway.
C)Prepare for endotracheal intubation.
D)Assist with emergency tracheostomy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's clinical manifestations of stridor and cramping are consistent with tetany caused by hypocalcemia resulting from damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery. Endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy may be needed if the calcium does not resolve the stridor. Suctioning will not correct the stridor.

A Few Hours After Returning to the Surgical Nursing Unit