A patient returns to the surgical unit after a parathyroidectomy. The nurse would anticipate which postoperative order from the physician?
Explanation
• After a parathyroidectomy, the patient is at risk for hypocalcemia, a potentially life-threatening event
• The patient's head of bed should be elevated to promote chest expansion and prevent edema around the surgical site
• A rectal thermometer is not needed
• A post-parathyroidectomy patient is not always intubated. If the patient is intubated, the chest x-ray should be done immediately after intubation