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 the 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.

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