PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What sign may indicate a complication in a client post-thyroidectomy?

1. Dry skin

2. Elevated blood pressure

3. Muscle twitching

4. Decreased heart rate

The correct answer is: Muscle twitching

Muscle twitching following a thyroidectomy can indicate complications, particularly hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia. During thyroid surgery, the parathyroid glands, which control calcium levels in the body, can inadvertently be damaged or removed. This can lead to a decrease in serum calcium levels, resulting in neuromuscular irritability, which manifests as muscle twitching or spasms. Monitoring for signs of hypocalcemia is crucial in the postoperative period, as it can have serious complications if left untreated. In contrast, dry skin may relate to long-term thyroid hormone levels but is less specific to immediate post-operative complications. Elevated blood pressure is not typically associated with thyroid surgery complications and may be influenced by other factors such as stress or pain. A decreased heart rate could indicate hypothyroid symptoms, but it is not a common direct complication of the surgical procedure itself, and would generally not be expected immediately after surgery. Thus, muscle twitching is a key indicator to watch for in patients post-thyroidectomy for potential complications.