A client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy develops hoarseness and a weak voice. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

A client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy develops hoarseness and a weak voice. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

• A. Reassure the client that this is usually a temporary condition.
• B. Check for signs of bleeding.
• C. Notify the registered nurse immediately.
• D. Administer calcium gluconate.

Answer: (A)

Hoarseness after thyroidectomy is often due to edema around the vocal cords or temporary irritation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and it commonly improves as swelling decreases and nerve function recovers. The most appropriate nursing action is to reassure the client that this voice change is usually temporary, while continuing close observation of the airway and voice quality and being ready to escalate if symptoms worsen or signs of airway compromise appear. This approach prioritizes the patient’s comfort while staying vigilant for potential complications. If there were signs of bleeding or the voice change persisted or worsened, more urgent actions would be needed. Calcium gluconate is not indicated for hoarseness; it’s used if there are signs of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.

Hoarseness after thyroidectomy is often due to edema around the vocal cords or temporary irritation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and it commonly improves as swelling decreases and nerve function recovers. The most appropriate nursing action is to reassure the client that this voice change is usually temporary, while continuing close observation of the airway and voice quality and being ready to escalate if symptoms worsen or signs of airway compromise appear. This approach prioritizes the patient’s comfort while staying vigilant for potential complications. If there were signs of bleeding or the voice change persisted or worsened, more urgent actions would be needed. Calcium gluconate is not indicated for hoarseness; it’s used if there are signs of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.