Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Preparation | High-Yield Concepts,
Rationales & 2026 Study GuideSSKI is frequently administered before a
thyroidectomy because it helps decrease the vascularity of the thyroid
gland. A highly vascular thyroid gland is very friable, a condition that
presents a hazard during surgery. Preparation of the client for surgery
includes depleting the gland of thyroid hormone and decreasing
vascularity.
Introduction
Med-Surg II HESI Exam – Set One provides a focused review of essential
Medical-Surgical Nursing concepts. It is designed to help students organize
their learning, reinforce important nursing principles, and prepare
effectively for assessments. The resource can be used for quick revision,
self-assessment, and identifying areas that need additional study.
Question and answer
SSKI does not decrease the progression of exophthalmos, and it does not
decrease the body's ability to store thyroxine or increase the body's ability
to excrete thyroxine.
,CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Apply
The nurse is administering a saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI).
The nurse should:
1. Pour the solution over ice chips.
2. Mix the solution with an antacid.
3. Dilute the solution with water, milk, or fruit juice and have the client drink
it with a straw.
4. Disguise the solution in a pureed fruit or vegetable. correct answer3.
Dilute the solution with water, milk, or fruit juice and have the client drink it
with a straw.
SSKI should be diluted well in milk, water, juice, or a carbonated beverage
before administration to help disguise the strong, bitter taste. Also, this drug
is irritating
to mucosa if taken undiluted. The client should sip the diluted preparation
through a drinking straw to help prevent staining of the teeth. Pouring the
solution over ice chips will not sufficiently dilute the SSKI or cover the taste.
Antacids are not used to dilute or cover the taste of SSKI. Mixing in a puree
would put the SSKI in contact with the teeth.
,CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Apply
Following a subtotal thyroidectomy, the nurse asks the client to speak
immediately upon regaining consciousness. The nurse does this to monitor
for signs of which of the following?
1. Internal hemorrhage.
2. Decreasing level of consciousness.
3. Laryngeal nerve damage.
4. Upper airway obstruction. correct answer3. Laryngeal nerve damage.
Laryngeal nerve damage is a potential complication of thyroid surgery
because of the proximity of the thyroid gland to the recurrent laryngeal
nerve. Asking the
client to speak helps assess for signs of laryngeal nerve damage. Persistent
or worsening hoarseness and weak voice are signs of laryngeal nerve
damage and should
be reported to the physician immediately. Internal hemorrhage is detected
by changes in vital signs. The client's level of consciousness can be partially
assessed by asking her to speak, but that is not the primary reason for doing
so in this situation. Upper airway obstruction is detected by color and
respiratory rate and pattern.
, CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Analyze
A client who has undergone a subtotal thyroidectomy is subject to
complications in the first 48 hours after surgery. The nurse should obtain and
keep at the bedside equipment to:
1. Begin total parenteral nutrition.
2. Start a cutdown infusion.
3. Administer tube feedings.
4. Perform a tracheotomy. correct answer4. Perform a tracheotomy
One day following a subtotal thyroidectomy, a client begins to have tingling
in the fingers and toes. The nurse should first:
1. Encourage the client to flex and extend the fingers and toes.
2. Notify the physician.
3. Assess the client for thrombophlebitis.
4. Ask the client to speak. correct answer2. Notify the physician